Ava Hendrix

“There are no words
Quick or dutiful enough
To hinder me
Words alone
Will not contain me
I am free.”

-Ava

I think that many parents worry about the unknowns of the future for a child with apraxia. While it is certainly okay to think about the future, it is not something to be constantly dwelled upon. So, my biggest piece of advice would be to focus on the present moment with your child. A child with apraxia needs to practice their words, to be corrected, but they also need someone who will listen to them, not just for their apraxia. It is okay for a child to use hand gestures, written notes, or ASL to communicate because it eliminates the pressure of speaking. Not every moment needs to be one of arduous practice. And not every relationship needs to be fostered through verbal communication.

School can be especially tiring for a child with apraxia. Home offers a brief escape from these pressures. I am not against practice at home. However, it is certainly okay for a child to go non-verbal or be a little more sloppy with their speech. It is not a detriment to their future.

Jordan Levan, an Apraxia of speech advocate, once said “One of the most uncomfortable feelings a person can live through is hiding your authentic self.”

A lot of people express themselves through verbal communication, but that is oftentimes not an option for children with Apraxia. Still, every child needs an outlet that allows them to be their authentic selves. Personally, I turned to writing as an outlet for my words. I would write poetry, short stories, and even little “I love you” notes that I would disperse around my household for my family to find. Writing got me through the hardship of Apraxia and allowed me a place to feel secure in my being. So, find a means of expression that you can share with others… art, music, robotics, anything. It allows you to maintain a connection to others, and showcase what makes you special.