Much like I did last year, I find myself struggling with this day.
Bringing awareness is important. In order for people to understand why our boys do not speak, they really have to know that they are affected by Apraxia. Apraxia is not a visible disorder. By looking at our boys, you would never know there is something much deeper going on inside.
Yet, our boys will not be defined by this. I fight to ensure their teachers understand, that they are included in all typical activities of their peers. Yet, I want their teachers to have high expectations of them, to not excuse behavior because of their inability to talk.
It's a fine line to walk.
Another Apraxia mom explained the struggle of Apraxia well on her blog:
Imagine you are a small child, playing outside, and you get stung by a bee or fall down and hurt yourself. You’re scared and crying and you run to your parents. But you can’t tell them what happened or how to help you or where it hurts. So you just sob and embrace your mom and dad until your just get used to the pain or it goes away.
This is us everyday right now. Harvick and Jarrett do not have the ability to tell us what is wrong. What is hurting them, what they need to feel better. We comfort them, and make our best attempts to determine what's wrong, but often have unanswered questions.
This was us everyday with Ryder. It is through intense speech therapy that we have a son who is able to articulate his feelings. His emotions. Without therapy it wouldn't be possible.
Like last year, the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) is encouraging people to wear blue & white on Wednesday, May 14th to bring awareness to Apraxia. Last year I was surprised by just how many people made the decision to join us. We'd love for you to join our family in this show of support again!
We will beat this thing.
One-step-at-a-time.
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