The Silver Linings of Apraxia
“Your child may have apraxia.” I have needed to say that many times in my years as a speech therapist. Those words may bring about feelings of apprehension and confusion to a parent, so I am always quick to add, “but we can take care of this!” I also have to admit to being excited when I encounter a little one with suspected apraxia of speech. Why? It’s because I know we’re in for a fun and rewarding ride!
Here are just a few of the silver linings of apraxia that I’ve discovered:
The Relationships
As a therapist, it is such a pleasure and honor to know and work with children and their wonderful families. I have also witnessed the stronger bonds that develop between parents and their children as they work together to build communication. Imagine how frustrating it must be for a child with limited self-expression skills. Now just think of the comfort and security in knowing that “Mommy and Daddy understand me.” Even if that understanding comes in the form of knowing your child’s gestures, desires, and “words” that no one else can interpret before clear speech develops.
The Achievements
No one really thinks about the complexities of learning to speak unless there is a problem. So much needs to “go right” for a child to communicate effortlessly. When a child has apraxia, making certain speech sounds and joining them together to say a particular word or even a syllable can be very difficult. When the child’s efforts pay off and the challenges are overcome one by one, the joy is immeasurable. Families and I often go down memory lane as we marvel at a child’s progress. “Remember when she said ‘dee dee’ for ‘baby’? Look at what she’s saying now!” Every little bit of progress makes the child more confident and capable and allows the next steps to happen even faster!
The Transformation
I’ve saved the best for last. Watching a child transform from a scared, quiet, frustrated, dependent tot into a happy, vibrant, talkative individual is beyond rewarding. It is such a joy to discover the wonderful little person who was hiding behind the confines of apraxia. My little ones who have had apraxia tend to become little chatterboxes, and that is music to my ears!
“It is such a joy to discover the wonderful little person who is hiding behind the confines of apraxia.”
I would like to close my thoughts with a link to an inspiring video of Jack, one of my former kids. Jack’s mom, Diana, brought the yearly Apraxia Kids Walk to the Akron area. In the video, you will see clips of Jack thanking people for supporting him in the walk over the course of three years. Diana has graciously allowed me to freely share Jack’s video as an inspiration to all families on this journey.
Thanks Diana and Jack!
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| Donna M. Conti M.A., CCC-SLP |