May 14th is Apraxia Awareness Day!
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological speech disorder that can significantly decrease a child’s intelligibility. Although the causes of CAS are not fully understood, it is believed there is a deficit regarding formulating, relaying, and/or storing motor plans for speech movements. Despite the unknowns regarding CAS, there are resources for more information, such as the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA). Please visit their website for additional information and resources such as brochures and handouts to promote awareness of CAS.
Also, enjoy this quick read from a mother of a child with CAS about meeting Ronda Rousey, the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Ronda Rousey openly discussed that she had a speech impediment as a child, but did not previously use a specific label to refer to the disorder — until this mother shared some information with her. The story is both educational and inspirational.
