Hello to all!

My son, Carson, was 2 when we started taking him to speech therapy. Originally, it was for an Autism diagnosis. When we met with our SLP, she discussed how she suspected he had childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) because he couldn’t form a sentence or even a word, and how his sounds were. He also had really closed and monotoned sounds. So, she treated him as if he had apraxia. Then when he turned 3, he was evaluated and received a formal diagnosis. We have been with the same SLP since the beginning, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better for my child.

As I said, early on he had closed sounds and couldn’t even say basic words like “da da” or “hi”. I was so scared of the unknown. I remember going home after talking to our SLP and instantly searching the internet for anything apraxia related. Let me tell you, don’t do that. I’m pretty sure I ended up even more scared. However, I will say that through my internet digging, it led me to the Apraxia Kids website. This was my best source of information. Even now, I still come back to it as my go to for information or help.

Carson started out in Early Intervention. Then at the age of 3, he went to public school for their special education preschool so he could also get services through the school system. Sending my child to school at the age of 3 was terrifying, but looking back, that is what he needed. He is now in general education public school and about to enter the 1st grade. He has thrived in school. He even received the citizenship award this past year for his class which is a huge accomplishment, not only for a child with special needs.

When he first started school, I was terrified that he would get picked on because he couldn’t talk as well as others, and that no one would be able to understand him. In the beginning of his schooling, he couldn’t tell you what he needed and had to use basic ASL (sign language) to communicate with his teacher. He also had to use an AAC device to communicate. He would play with friends, but they would always ask “why does he talk weird?” I would then explain that he talks in his own special way.

Around the age of 4, almost 5, he matured so much, and his speech really took off that summer. This child was talking in complete sentences even though they were really choppy. His SLP, OT, and I were all amazed. Now, he has quite a few friends who all love and understand him. He does still struggle, and we must encourage him to take his time, but we are listening whenever he’s ready to tell us something. Sometimes it takes him a minute or two, but eventually he will tell you the best way he can. We can also have a complete conversation with him without the use of his AAC now.

Apraxia is hard! I’ll be the first to tell you that it is hard. It takes a lot of patience, therapy, and advocating for what works best for your child. I firmly believe my child would not be where he’s at if it wasn’t for his SLP, his occupational therapist, all his past teachers and assistants, and family. It takes a village, but it’s worth it. My best advice to families is that every child is different and find what works best for your child.

Also, it may take a while but there is light at the end of the tunnel – it just takes patience and trust in your care team.

Thank you for reading my child’s story.

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