topic Apraxia Awareness Day in Community Spirit

Apraxia Awareness Day

daydream**believer — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:38:12 GMT

Today is Apraxia Awareness Day.

As many of you know, my 3 yr old son has Verbal Apraxia. I'll admit i had not even heard of Apraxia 6 months ago.

Hayden started speech therapy 2 months ago and has gone from only being able to say 4 or 5 words clearly to now have a vocabulary of just over 20 words and he is starting to put those words together to make sentences. He can also now count up to 5. Im so proud of him.

But what i do struggle with is strangers who talk to him at the shops and when he responds in the babble that he thinks is talking, they look shocked and judgemental.

So, as it is Apraxia Awareness day, just become aware of it 🙂

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

lakeland27 — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:44:33 GMT

That's great to hear at 12 going on 13 A is doing well enough for me to forget he has the condition most of the time. Being misunderstood and or teased for it seems a thing of the past for him now.

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

boris1gary — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:57:13 GMT

easy for me to say but ignore the fools who look shocked and judgemental or just laugh in their faces. My youngest had some speech problems many years ago, not noticeable now.

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

downeyas — Wed, 14 May 2014 00:57:00 GMT

So they look shocked & judgemental do they - poor them, but that means they think they are just absolutely 100% perfect mothers - oh don't we all just wish - try and ignore them love and give them the sweetest biggest smile you can conjour up - remember, if you keep smiling, everyone wonders about what you are thinking lol

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

azureline** — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:18:02 GMT

That is great Daydream, that he has come along so well.

We all see the judgement of strangers for many reasons, never make eye contact with them or let them see it bothers you.

Sometimes it can just be the "shock" they feel unexpectedly, not knowing how to reply, may not necessarily be judgement.

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

*elizabeths-mum* — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:22:40 GMT

It could be you feeling hypersensitive when you feel people look shocked and judgemental, but if it isn't, just tell them proudly about how he is gifted and speaks in tongues. 😄
20 words in such a short time is wonderful progress!

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

lloydslights — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:39:13 GMT

I'm pleased that things are progressing for your little one.

I remember when you brought Apraxia to our attention. It was openly discussed. It made me aware of the condition.

I may be completely off beam here. However, I believe anyone who takes time to chat to a little one, has compassion and cares about kids. Therefore, how about mentioning Apraxia and the progress that has been achieved by his therapy. Thank them for helping him listen to other peoples' voices.

Just a thought.

DEB

Re: Apraxia Awareness Day

daydream**believer — Wed, 14 May 2014 03:53:07 GMT

thanks everyone for your replies.

I think i am a touch hypersensitive but i also know there have been times when i have seen judgement.

My hubby just shrugs them off and says "he doesnt talk" and walks away.

I find i feel i have to explain and then tell them his condition.

I suppose that is a good way to get the awareness spread.

Today for the first time he put 3 words together, "Eat more banana"