Erica Jenschke

Kyle's Apraxia Journey

We formed our Walk Team, Kyle's Krusaders, in 2014.  It was a way to connect with families on this journey and learn.  Kyle was only 18 months old and we were heading into speech and occupational therapy every week at home thanks to early intervention therapy (they are miracle workers).  Followed by feeding therapy - he didn't know how to use his mouth - tongue, teeth, jaw - to appropriately and safely chew food. 

The key to Apraxia is that it's a motor planning disorder - it's not articulation per se.  It's teaching the brain the right motor plans to move all of the muscles needed to form words properly - teaching motor plans takes practice and determination. 

Many years into this journey with Apraxia and we've added a handful more of diagnosis (Global Dyspraxia, Sensory Processing, Hypotonia, and ADHD).  We still have speech in school 1-2x per month in school; and we currently see a Myofunctional therapist to help with tongue posture and open mouth breathing.  Kyle's getting ready for a TAD Expander in June 2026 which will hopefully create more space for proper oral posture.   We've completed Physical Therapy to improve Core Strength, private speech and OT many many times with various therapy teams, and continue to research ways to help Kyle. 

Kyle is a happy light in an unkind world.  He wants to be friends with everyone and doesn't always recognize when that is not reciprocated.   It's easy to see that kids know he's different - I don't think he notices most days though.   He leads with kindness and a smile.

We walk to support all children diagnosed with apraxia of speech - our Apraxia Stars. To show these children they are not alone and to acknowledge all the hard work they must do to overcome communication challenges that affect their day-to-day lives.  

We walk to raise funds for the mission of Apraxia Kids – to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families; facilitating community engagement and outreach; and investing in the future through advocacy and research.

Please help our team meet our fundraising goal by making a donation now or by joining our team.  You, too, can make an impact for children and families affected by apraxia!

We believe, “Every child deserves a voice”.