My little silent man.

A lot of people are not aware of Speech Apraxia. 

What is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis. The brain has problems planning to move the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech. The child knows what he or she wants to say, but his/her brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements necessary to say those words.

{ Definition from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhoodapraxia.htm }

My eldest son have been undergoing speech therapy since he was 2. I'm sure a number of parents can identify with our situation because this disorder requires a lot of hard work and patience. These children makes inconsistent sound errors that are not the result of immaturity. Hence, this is just a result of a slight deficiency that is inborn and cannot be cured by any medicine. Proper practice and speech therapy is needed to overcome this state.

My son is a very sweet and caring boy. He is very smart and loves to dance and perform on stage. He is loved by many because of his thoughtfulness and charm. He is a NORMAL little boy. And we give him as much love and attention as his younger sibling. 

This post is to let people understand and accept that not all children are born the same. Some may be very well articulate in uttering words, but have difficulties comprehending. Some are very well understood but was never happy with what their parents' choices were. One thing that I am very proud of is that our son knows very well that we are proud of him. He was never scared to try to speak infront of many people. He was never discouraged by his deficiency because he knew that he understands his school lessons just like how normal speaking kids do. But one thing that makes him unique is that he can relay and make people feel what he wanted to express even with less words. He can work on his own, and he can understand other people's difficulties. He is more sensitive than other kids are.

This made us stronger. This made us fight the sadness that was felt the first time we found out about Speech Apraxia. We did not understand it, not until we started fighting it. We cannot erase the fact that the deficiency is there, but we were never discouraged that we had to face it. 

I have always wanted to create a support group for other parents who are having the same fight as ours. We had difficulties of finding other people who would understand us but we were lucky to be surrounded by great friends, relatives, teachers and children. They all made my little quiet man feel that he was not even less of the normal child that he is.

For other parents who needs information, doctor's referrals or even having difficulties finding therapists, we would be more than happy to give information or suggestions to lighten your burden. We are always ready to help and support parents like us, who wanted the best for our children.

My little man is turning 7 in June. 5 years and still counting, under speech therapy. But now can speak confidently and communicate well. He is a work in progress, but we are proud of him. His determination and eagerness to speak well is our strength.

Just shoot us a comments if you need help with the same situation, we would love to help and listen.

To my little quiet man (who is not so quiet anymore)...we're going on 7 years of working together! You'll make it, and Mommy is sure you'll make it big! You'll be a teacher someday, like what you always tell us. You'll be a good teacher and will help children in the future. Just like how your teachers have inspired you to be like them. We are so proud of you!

My little man's 1st ever Recognition Day from Speech Therapy 2007.

 

He made it! - 1st year in Speech Therapy

Here he is now during his Xmas presentation 2010.

He's not so little anymore. 2011

Ciao,

Joyce

P.S. My biggest dream was to be called upon by the teacher to inform me that my son was talkative and noisy in class. And last school year, she did! Though I promised I'll talk to him, deep inside, knowing that he was talking more than he should made me the happiest mother on Earth! ;)