As the mother of a young child affected by Childhood Apraxia of Speech, I am passionate about spreading CAS awareness and feel compelled to advocate for their specific needs as well as acceptance.
It is my hope that you will join us in raising Apraxia Awareness during Better Hearing and Speech month by celebrating Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day on May 14, 2013.
Together, we can speak for those without a voice.
(Background)
CAS causes affected children to have extreme difficulty planning and producing the precise, highly refined and specific series of movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate that are necessary in producing clear, intelligible speech. It is among the most severe of speech and communication problems in children.
While the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia endure an incredible and lengthy struggle. Although not life threatening, the disorder is life altering. Families are left to cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of having a child diagnosed with CAS.
Every child should be afforded their best opportunity to develop speech. With early intervention and apraxia specific therapy, most children with CAS will learn to communicate with their own voices. These children, as well as their families, deserve our highest respect for their effort, determination and resilience in the face of such obstacles.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day is a time to raise awareness for CAS, recognize the families affected by this motor planning disorder and support therapists serving CAS affected patients. May 14th is the perfect time to support the goals of Better Hearing and Speech Month and raise Apraxia Awareness.
Thank you in advance for supporting Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day.
www.unlockinglukesvoice.org
