The Cat and the Hat Returns

Dr. Seuss' birthday was the perfect excuse for me to pull out "The Cat in the Hat" costume and visit Luke's preschool.

What is the Difference Between Apraxia and Autism?

Written by Rachel Evans

Original article source http://ezinearticles.com/expert=Rachel_Evans

Apraxia and autism are two entirely different neurological disorders which can occur in a child independently of one another, or together in the same child. While autism's symptoms can impact and impair many different systems, behaviors, and thought patterns, apraxia occurs when the child struggles to plan and carry out voluntary physical movements.

In terms of gross motor skills, apraxia may impact a child's capabilities to stand up, sit in a chair, or catch a ball and with fine motor skills, a child may not be able to zip up a jacket, button a shirt, write or print, or even point at an object.

Children with apraxia may also struggle to produce sound patterns to make words, or even coordinate the various speech mechanisms to make the individual speech sounds such as the difference between a "g" and a "b" sound, or the hum of an "m" sound. Even when a sound is modeled, a child with apraxia may not be able to mimic the same sound.

However, though these symptoms may also cross over into autism, there remain important differences between the two conditions. For example, when a child has only apraxia it is only the motor functioning and not the social and emotional skills that are impacted, as is often not the case with autism.

Apraxia and autism can become difficult to tell from one another when the child is exhibiting symptoms of verbal apraxia (officially known as oral-motor apraxia). The reason for this is that children with either condition can be very aware of their struggle to communicate verbally, and therefore they may choose to avoid having to talk by staying away from social situations. However, in the case of verbal apraxia, if you play with your child and don't demand speech from him or her, you may find that they begin playing actively and engage others in their play.

The child usually experiences relief from being able to socialize and have contact with others without being required to talk, which is frustrating for them and can create a fear of failure. Often, with these children, when they are allowed to select the type of play and are allowed to go without having to speak, the relief and comfort they feel can make them more open to accepting the slow introduction of new sounds and syllables, which may eventually bring about simple words into their favorite games and play. Encouragement to vocalize or verbalize should be gentle in both apraxia and autism, and should be gradual, tailored to the pace of success rather than to a schedule.

In both motor apraxia and autism, children show social interaction problems, but in the case of motor apraxia, this is normally because they are not always capable of performing the physical movements that allows them access to others. However, motor apraxia won't usually make a child want to avoid social interaction altogether, such as failing to make eye contact, or specifically moving away from other people.

It is easy to see why there is so much confusion between apraxia and autism spectrum disorders. Especially considering children with these conditions can also both exhibit signs of over-reactivity to sensations. However, there are differences between the two and it is important to speak to your doctor or a specialist if you are unsure. Your doctor will be able to determine which condition your child may have, or if both are present.

Chit Chat

I have said it before and I will say it again.

Right.
Here.

If we had not found Nancy Kaufman and Kaufman Children's Center, Luke would have not been diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech until 3 years old (or later) even though CAS was suspected by an SLP during an evaluation by Babies Can't Wait (Georgia's Early Intervention) when Luke was 18 months old.

ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) suggests that SLPs wait until after the age of 3 to diagnose CAS, so most SLPs won't.

But Nancy Kaufman isn't most SLPs.

She. Is. The. Best.
THE Childhood Apraxia of Speech Queen.
I even made her a plate that says it.

Although she was a
little hesitant to display it, concerned that parents would think she was self proclaiming it....I am proud that it is still in her office. Almost 2 and a half years after we presented it to her ;)

This week marked a year since we had been to the KCC for intensive therapy.

On Monday, April 28, 2013 Luke opened the doors of the KCC (for what would be our 6th trip since 2010) and even though he had just gotten out of his mouth that he was going to tell Nancy thank you.......in true Luke fashion, he announced "I don't need to see Nancy Kaufman. I can talk now."

I wasn't sure how Nancy would take his news, but she didn't miss a beat.

She agreed that he didn't need her anymore and she was beaming with a real maternal pride. Tears filled her eyes and mine as we watched Luke, the now 4 and a half year old, chattering away.

After catching up, talking about our therapy schedule and the week's goals....Nancy went to work her magic on more children.

House Rules

• Always tell the truth.
  
• Share everything but bad ideas.
  
• Sing silly, dance crazy, smile big.
  
• Hug your mom no matter how big you get.
  
• Keep your promises and do your best.
  
• Count your blessings.
  
• Always stick up for each other.
  
• Mind your own beeswax.
  
• Clean up your own stuff.
  
• Hands to yourself unless high fiving or hugging.
  
• Always say I love you.
  
• Thank God for this family.