Apraxia of Speech . Week 23

Ryder had Early Intervention and Private Speech Therapy this week.

Ryder's Early Intervention Therapist is coming in the morning for the summer, rather than at the end of the day. Ryder doesn't seem to show a preference to a time of day, but is responding well to the switch.  He participated well for most of the session, practicing sounds he knows, and working to build them into more complex sounds.

The SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) - his private therapist - had her "worst" session yet with Ryder.  However, we both still felt he participated fairly well, and definitely worked on some new/harder sounds.  With Ryder in a new environment, with new distractions, it is understandable.

We're still torn about what to do with PCMC Therapy...it's just so hard knowing what is best.  Ryder can not express his opinions.  His preferences.  And, it's hard.

With risk of offending someone...I want to clarify that Ryder will not just "grow out" of his speech issues.  I get a lot of comments from well-meaning people "reassuring" me that he will grow out of it.  That Ryder will talk when he is ready.  That it is just a "phase".  And, the truth of it, is that this is incorrect.  Ryder will not grow out of it without extensive, frequent, intensive Speech Therapy.  Apraxia of Speech will not slowly fade away.  Ryder will likely face issues with speech his entire life.  Although we are working toward the goal of Ryder speaking at "average" levels for his age, he may always struggle with how to pronounce difficult words.  And, will likely experience speech issues when tired/overwhelmed/nervous/etc.  I write this because as much as I appreciate people telling me these things, it is hard to hear.  Please still ask me about his progress.  Please reassure me that Ryder WILL talk.  It is good to know we have people supporting us through this...it's just a little more complicated than growing out of it.

One-step-at-a-time.

(CASNA)