Avery's super adventures!
Four years ago I learned about the disorder Childhood Apraxia of Speech, CAS. Before this, I had no idea what this meant. It was a complicated time and it was challenging, managing the limited speech Avery produced. It was a battle, an uphill journey, with a lot of uncertainty. It felt scary for our family and for Avery. I did not know if Avery would ever speak and learn how to express himself. Realizing how verbalized our socialization is, we don’t have room for children like Ave as we rely constant on our speech. Just think, what your day to day looks like and what it would be like not to voice yourself.
One of the things that really bothered me, is expressions like: ‘’just wait his speech will come’’. I have always felt uneasy when this was suggested. I am very thankful I never ‘’waited’’. We are here today because of a lot hard work Avery did and a lot of therapy hours. Avery is no longer that unsure boy, who doesn’t know how to verbalize his needs while only using a word or 3 consistently. He still has a tendency to repeat himself, but he is my Avery chatterbox. He has grown into his skin and into his voice.
Whenever I catch myself wanting a moment of quiet time, I remind myself how special it is that Avery is chatting. I just take a deep breath and find my inner strength to say how proud I am of Avery that he is speaking so well and expressing himself. Our adventure with Apraxia continues. It is no longer new and it is no longer uncertain. Avery will get there but the road ahead will still carry challenges, fears and us as parents creating awareness to our community for needs.
I can’t help but feel proud! Pride how we as a family came together to support Avery in his needs. Thankful for the people we are surrounded by! This year I really wanted Avery to support my writing for the website. I asked him to add his perspective, he stated: ‘’I am still kicking Apraxia’s butt’’, stating ‘’I love Apraxia’’. That my friends is who Avery is in his core, kind, warm and loving!
Please come and join us, this year in Seattle! Walk with us, our mile of honor, pride and love. Even if in spirit. We are there for kids like Avery, to create awareness to support with raising funding for Apraxia Kids . To build and up lift our community! Together we got this!
