Oh... I just thought of something else... the other day on the way home from school I heard my DS8 talk to his sister (9) in a way that I've never heard before. He was easily and fluently able to express his thoughts. I'm so used to speaking for him because of his history of struggle that it literally shocked me when the words I had on the tip of my tongue came out of his mouth instead. It was a really eye opening moment.

(Background: a year ago he tested in the 0.5th percentile for receptive language and 12th percentile for expressive). This last year has represented incredible growth for his language skills.

I should also add that he's had time at school with a speech language pathologist. My personal opinion is that French Immersion, while suppressing his achievement, has helped by stimulating the language areas of his brain.