Hi, I'm new to this group. I have a daughter with developmenal Apraxia. I really don't have a question. I want to read first but wanted to introduce myself. My name is Nanci and daughter Krystin Lee was a micro preemie. She does talk but not clear.

 I guess I do have a question. She askes for what she wants, talks and sing and uses sign language but she cannot have a conversation with someone- will she ever be able to converse and I know it is far in the future but I always worry are their jobs for children like her when she gets older, how will we communicate.

Hi Nanci. First, welcome to the group! My son, Arden, is a little younger than Krystin Lee, but also has apraxia. He tries to talk all the time, but much of what he says isn't understandable by me, or anyone else. It's very frustrating! Arden tries to talk with others all the time...I interpret when I can, but often times I'm not able to either. I know our speech therapist says they are making progress (and I can see a little progress), but it's slow going. She says (eventually) he'll be understood by everyone. After 1 1/2 years of therapy it is really a challenge to keep going. It's really difficult to not get discouraged.

I know every child is different, but I would definitely not worry about what kind of jobs she could get. Maybe she'll be a sign language interpreter. Maybe she'll work with computers. Maybe she'll be an editor or proofreader or writer. There are a lot of jobs out there where verbal communication isn't really very important. Does her therapist believe she'll have difficulty speaking when she's older? Or, do they tell you what our therapist tells us: "It's a long process."

Take a look at our resources. Some stuff may be helpful. Again, welcome to the group, and make yourself at home Jump in on any of the conversations, but I'm really interested in getting to know you more!

Hi Nanci, I've got an old friend from High School who's 11 year old son had Dev. Apraxia. His mom was sharing his story with me when I was reaching out to my network for info for our 2 year old son.  She told me that while it took 4 years of 3x a week sessions, you now would never know he had trouble with this.  She also share with me how hard of a struggle it was because he would get so frustrated with not being understood.  Whatever 'out-side the box' methods of communication (sign, pictures, augmentative devices) are all great ways to reduce an apraxic kids frustration and give them a 'voice' and empower them.  This way everyone can have more patience for the hard work of leaning speech.