Apraxia, dyspraxia, dysarthria and the link that tied them all together.

Apraxia, dyspraxia, dysarthria and the link that tied them all together.

Those familiar with my story know that I missed apraxia in Ashlynn because I was convinced she had CP (cerebral palsy).  She had a significant birth history and had to be pulled out via C-section and all of her motor milestones were late. Tummy time was a nightmare.  I was always so stressed about it because she literally seemed like she was suffocating and couldn’t pull herself up for air. 

Read More

1st Day of 3rd Grade

1st Day of 3rd Grade

My dearest Ashlynn, Your courage amazes me daily.  It inspires me and pushes me beyond any limit real or imagined.  Today was your first day of 3rd grade.  You have been waiting for this day since the last day of 2nd grade.  Actually, quite possibly since the first day of 2nd grade when you told me,“After 2nd grade you I will be in 3rd grade!” I emphatically responded, “We need

Read More

This school year, teach your children to be kind.

This school year, teach your children to be kind.

This year as you talk to you children about their new teacher, new classroom, and new adventures, I beg you to talk to your kids about being kind.  I beg you to explain to your child that children with disabilities are just like them, but it might take a little longer to understand or get to know them.  If nothing else though, please just teach your children to be kind.  Maybe ask about something they did that was kind alongside your questions of who they played with or what they learned.

Apraxia as a symptom to a bigger picture

Apraxia as a symptom to a bigger picture

The problem is SLP’s and parents are so focused on the speech and not looking at the big picture in early development.  There is this thinking that if we could just overcome the apraxia, everything will be OK.

Diagnosis, Disability, and Finding your Tribe

Diagnosis, Disability, and Finding your Tribe

However, we have our people now.  We have our tribe.  We have others who understand.  They understand that sometimes you are in such a state of deep grief you can do nothing else but cry and cannot face the world that day.