SLP Mommy of Apraxia

Category: apraxia blog

  • Had it not been for Ashlynn: Head to Sophomore year

    Had it not been for Ashlynn: Head to Sophomore year

    We registered Ashlynn for her sophomore year in high school today. As I waited behind her as she took her picture for her school ID, I reflected a little. Staring at this young woman taking a picture at her high school, I some flashbacks of the journey.

    Before, just a few short years ago, she would have needed me to help her talk to the photographer. I would have had to explain to the photographer that she has a motor planning disorder which makes it difficult to smile. I would have physically gone into the space with her rather than staying back. I would have helped her onto this stool to ensure she didn’t fall off of it since it doesn’t have a back. I would have gone home and wondered if it were always to be like that.

    Walking through the school she recognized many teachers and staff who all smiled at her and had a short conversation. I only had to help her once when she experienced an apraxia freeze about what she did over the summer. My hint of “cruise” was all she needed to be off and running talking about it.

    So much has changed since those early years, and yet so much still remains the same. She has become more independent and she can certainly talk your ear off! Everyone she talks to can understand her. She has made her way in the world, forging relationships I didn’t have to help her make. Even leaving a classmate called out “what up Ashlynn? Good to see you!” These little moments can be big enough to me to bring tears to my eyes.

    Ashlynn’s social high school experience has been amazing so far, and I have no doubt it will be great again this year. From unified cheerleading, to basketball, to poms, to track and field, homecoming and more, she truly lives her best life, disability or not. That’s actually though one of the things that has stayed the same. Even when Ashlynn couldn’t speak, she would peak out of her door with a huge smile and attack the day with the same enthusiasm. So many obstacles to overcome, she never wavered. And because I watched this tiny but strong girl attack life this way, I realized I needed to do the same.

    Had it not been for Ashlynn, I never would have been determined to specialize in CAS. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I would never have gone into private practice. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I never would have thought about the need to spread apraxia awareness. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I never would have written a book. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I would not be giving podcasts, workshops, conferences or consultations on CAS. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I wouldn’t be on the professional advisory board for The Apraxia Foundation. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I wouldn’t be planning The Denver Apraxia Fall Festival. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I would have always played it safe. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I never would have taken risks. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I would have never known what it’s like to be someone’s person. Had it not been for Ashlynn, I would not be for the better a completely changed person.

    Have fun my love! I know you’re going to have another great year. Not because I have a crystal ball, but because past proves future. I’ve had almost 16 years of watching your quiet determination and big beautiful smile. I know for a fact you aren’t going to stop now. You’re such a gift and may you always know your worth.

  • Parent experience at an apraxia diagnosis

    Parent experience at an apraxia diagnosis

    It’s been over eleven years identifying as a parent to a child diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech. I’ll never forget that fateful day. I missed her apraxia as an infant, despite being a speech/language pathologist before she was born. I knew she was delayed. Oh yes, I was keenly aware of it. Every well-check visit the list of milestones she was meeting grew shorter and shorter. I worked with her almost every night. Though she made progress, progress was so slow. I blamed myself.

    I finally raised my white flag before her third birthday and took her to Child Find. That’s where the SLP would inform me, “Laura, this is apraxia.”

    Apraxia

    Forever etched into my brain is that one statement. I remember it hit me like a ton of bricks. I also remember knowing instantly it was true. The amount of therapy Ashlynn was getting from me with only minimal results didn’t make sense, unless, apraxia.

    I grieved most of that year. I grieved so many things. I grieved my seemingly failure as an SLP. I grieved she would have to work so hard just to speak. I grieved she would always throughout her entire life live with a communication disorder. Then guilt appeared for grieving since she was at least healthy, happy, and still my same beautiful child.

    Years later, I would learn of the term “disenfranchised grief.” I did a talk with Dr. Iuzinni-Seigel for speechpathology.com and she introduced me the term. Disenfranchised grief is grief with no place to go. This is EXACTLY how I felt.

    I’ve since learned that many other parents feel relief at diagnosis. The journey was so long and so hard they had to fight to find an SLP who would listen to them.

    Since the Apraxia Diagnosis

    It’s been a long road since those early days. I picked myself up and kept putting one foot in front of the other. At some point I woke up and realized I have a private practice, A Mile High Speech Therapy, specializing in CAS. I wrote a book called Overcoming Apraxia that is now part of college coursework in speech pathology. I have given workshops nationally and internationally. Most of all though, Ashlynn is still my amazing ray of sunshine. Her beautiful smile, tenacity, and attitude toward adversity have taught me more than anything could.

    Many parents want to attend my workshops but the cost is prohibitive. Workshops and webinars can cost 100’s if not 1000’s of dollars for attendees. Furthermore, many workshops are not open to parents. That’s why I’m so excited to announce my newest endeavor called Apraxia Space. For just $75.00, parents and caregivers get access to at least SIX online live webinars given by myself and another apraxia specialist. Guest lectures are already scheduled along with live parent presentations of their apraxia journey. In addition, there will be a 24/7 private online community.

    We have participants WORLDWIDE from Italy, Australia, and Canada! Registration for this first founding member cohort ends April 1st. Be sure to save your spot! Register here: https://apraxia-space.mykajabi.com/

    I look forward to seeing you there!

  • New Caregiver Opportunity! Limited seating!

    New Caregiver Opportunity! Limited seating!

    Greetings SLP Mommy of Apraxia Community!

    I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for everyone who has followed my journey and Ashlynn’s journey. Many of you have been there from the start as we learned to navigate childhood apraxia of speech! The journey started out lonely and I was full of anxiety and worry. However, I slowly but surely started to learn more and find a community.

    I am always looking for ways to pay it forward in the spirit of so many who were willing to help me. From my blogging, to social media, to my book, speaking events, and coordinating community events, I have been so enriched by this amazing CAS community.

    Earlier this year an SLP who specializes in CAS approached me with a venture idea. Stacey Landberg desired to cultivate a similar network of support and education for parents navigating the challenges of CAS or suspected CAS in their children. She had this vision for “Apraxia Space,” in which parents and caregivers could network and learn in an exclusive online environment.

    I’m excited to announce registration for this pilot program experience is now live and will be open through March 31st, 2024!!!

    What is Apraxia Space?

    “Apraxia Space,” is designed especially for parents and caregivers who are passionate about supporting their child with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) or suspected CAS. Members will benefit through expert-led discussions and connecting with other parents of children with CAS. You’ll gain exclusive access to a community of like-minded individuals, resources, and events dedicated to supporting you as you become the best advocate for your child. 

    Here’s what you can expect as a founding member

    Expert Insights: Meet monthly with Laura & Stacey, two SLPs specializing in CAS. Together we’ll lead web events to deepen your understanding of CAS, while answering your questions and sharing resources.

    Exclusive Events: Member-only meetups to foster meaningful connections and collaboration within the community

    Community Engagement: Connect with fellow members who share your passion for apraxia advocacy and support through our private online community available 24/7. 

    Home Strategies: Discover actionable steps to effectively support your child at home.

    To ensure that each member receives personalized attention and support, we are limiting the number of founding members for Apraxia Space. Therefore, we encourage you to secure your spot today by joining today.

    Please Visit Apraxia Space to learn more and embark on this unparalleled opportunity in supporting your child with CAS. 

    Warmly,

    Stacey & Laura

  • Denver Apraxia Festival!

    The Denver Fall Apraxia Festival is coming back this October 7th 2023. This event is a fundraising event to benefit The Apraxia Foundation, a newer 501(c)3 founded by an individual with CAS named Jordan Levan. Since I came on the apraxia scene back in 2012 when my daughter Ashlynn was first diagnosed, I have seen the culture around apraxia change, and for the better!

    When Ashlynn was first diagnosed, I attended and even coordinated numerous walks for apraxia. Something that was always noticeably missing was the presence of older kids. There was plenty of young children but the attendance for tweens and teens was almost non existent. During my time as a coordinator, I would seek out older tweens/teens to be a guest speaker in hopes of drawing more older children; yet the events largely remained child centered.

    Since Jordan came on the scene in 2019, confidently and unapologetically owning his apraxia, more tweens, teens, and young adults have “come out of the shadows” to do the same. The festivals were a conception designed by Jordan where he wanted to celebrate each individual with apraxia and have a “party.” Embedded in the event would be this idea of being proud of having apraxia and allowing a space where no one felt that they had to mask and could be their authentic self in a fun, accepting environment.

    Last year, my dream of having older kids and younger kids at an apraxia event came true! The Denver Fall Festival brought in around 250 people with a mix of younger AND older kids. The legendary DJ Archie was definitely a BIG hit. Just look at these cuties with CAS!

    Since my daughter was first diagnosed, I also always had a dream of having a spokesperson for apraxia. This dream is what caused me to hunt down Ronda Rousey, go viral, and make Good Morning America. Though that was great for awareness, no one seemed interested in being a spokesperson for apraxia. No on that is, until Jordan. Jordan’s social media grew at an exponential rate and he has written three, wildly successful children’s books! He founded The Apraxia Foundation with his core principles of apraxia pride and acceptance.

    I’m so proud to support Jordan and everything he is doing to help others in the apraxia community. He is truly and inspiration and proof our children with apraxia can grow up and achieve all of their goals WITH apraxia. At the festival, Jordan made sure to talk to each and every child with apraxia and give them a heartfelt, personalized message of encouragement. It was truly touching and humbling to watch. Jordan has said he wanted to be who he needed when he was younger, and he is definitely the living embodiment of that.

    Since Jordan has put himself out there, so many other young adults have been inspired to do the same with many reporting they used to feel ashamed they didn’t “grow” out of their childhood apraxia of speech.

    I can’t wait to see the magic again this year, October 7th in Centennial, Colorado! See you all there!

  • First middle school track meet!

    First middle school track meet!

    Ashlynn participated in her first middle school track meet with all general Ed peers. She was so excited to ride the bus there

    🚌

    She smiled the entire time. Kids high-fived her and knew her name. She was included. She had a fan club there consisting of me and her dad, both sets of grandparents, her friend and his mom, and last year’s SPED teacher and para because I was so worried no one would cheer for her. I was wrong. All the parents clapped her on and cheered her to the finish line. It was amazing. Maybe this world is changing…in the best kind of way.

    💙
    💙
    💙

    She literally smiled the entire time. Even while running.

    ✨

    Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for someone is simply to include them

    ✨

  • Child Apraxia Treatment and DTTC for CAS

    Join me for my first episode in Season 2 of the SLP Mommy of Apraxia Podcast as I talk to Breanna Waldrup, speech/language pathologist and director of the private non-profit Child Apraxia Treatment. We talk about her role as the director of the foundation, it’s mission statement and elements of Dynamic Temporal Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for the treatment of CAS.