A source of hope: Natalie’s walk with apraxia
Hi Natalie! I had so much fun meeting you in person at the Apraxia National Conference this past July! I had already heard so much about you within the apraxia walk community, as you overcame apraxia and are now a walk coordinator for your area! All by the age of 16! That’s amazing! Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.
What do you remember about speech therapy and how long were you in it?
I just remember playing games and making crafts. I was in speech when I was 2 through second grade.
When did you know you had apraxia?
I was diagnosed with apraxia when I was two and a half.
How has apraxia affected your life, or has it? Do you have any residual issues?
Yes, apraxia has affected my life on multiple levels. I have been diagnosed with anxiety because of the slow processing. I don’t feel like I have enough time to finish tests. I also still have problems with my sensory. Also when I get tired my speech starts to slip.
What was your school experience like?
My parents and I have had to fight for everything I have in place. I have a 504, which allows me more time on test, but the 504 is for my anxiety and not for apraxia because no one understands what apraxia is at my school. I have to tell my teachers what I have and explain what it means.
Most parents are so worried about the future when their child gets an apraxia diagnosis. What would you tell them?
Apraxia is a long journey. It takes time. Don’t rush your kid’s speech, it will come. Everything happens for a reason and apraxia has influenced their life for some reason or another.
What do you wish more people knew about apraxia?
Apraxia doesn’t just affect your speech, it affects your processing speed and much more.
What inspired you to become a walk coordinator at such a young age?
I want to help families with kids with apraxia. My family has gone through the same things as others have. My parents didn’t know if I would ever be able to talk and live on my own. I want to give families hope, the same hope my parents got from Kate Hennessey.
Thank you so much Natalie, for all of your advocacy work and continued mission to spread awareness and help other kids with apraxia! You are absolutely a face of hope and inspiration!
To see a news story on Natalie click here: Teen finds her voice and uses it to help others.
