Comments on Trust Me, I'm a Mom: "Your Daughter Isn't Speaking Back To Me..."

It sounds like you are doing a really wonderful jo...

2013-10-04T20:38:49.171-07:00

It sounds like you are doing a really wonderful job. Maybe you could tell them that she loves to interact but for now, she needs to talk through you. Sometimes people equate a physical limitation like apraxia to development, but it's not necessarily the same thing. And of course some people want to be private and others make it their mission to raise awareness. My son has ADHD and that is a HUGELY misunderstood condition. I am happy to tell anyone and everyone who will listen what I know about it and our experience. I also do not want him to think there is any shame in it and that we shouldn't talk about it. But every family, every condition is different. It sounds like you are taking a natural path with it depending on where you are, who is there, etc.

My son is 2 1/2 with apraxia. When we first starte...

2013-10-04T16:44:40.401-07:00

My son is 2 1/2 with apraxia. When we first started speech at 2 there wasn't a huge noticeable difference between his speech and his playmates. The older he gets, the bigger the difference is and is more noticeable. I too am having a hard time with my personal definition of what apraxia is. I have heard other moms get little business card printed with an explanation along with a website where the person can learn more. I think these will definitely be handy when he starts school and other parents start asking questions.

I like your suggestions, especially letting her kn...

2013-10-04T13:06:22.624-07:00

I like your suggestions, especially letting her know how proud I am of her at the end... thank you!!

As far as your daughter goes, I wish you luck! I think that people often overlook taking their child into the doctor (or speech therapist) to check things out. If you haven't already found this article on my site, it might be helpful for you as to what options are available. /2013/09/so-your-kid-has-speech-problem-now-what.html
I would assume either her pediatrician or Early Intervention program would be the best place to start. We loved our EI therapists! Good luck & I'd love to hear an update on her if you get a chance!

I totally agree... I would love to help people to ...

2013-10-04T12:57:56.662-07:00

I totally agree... I would love to help people to understand, so I hope they feel comfortable enough to say, "tell me more", or anything for that matter! But, if they don't I can understand where they are coming from.
I think I have unintentionally made little comments here and there, too, now that you mention it! I like that idea and will focus more on doing that. Thank you!

Yeah, it's crazy! Sometimes I forget what is ...

2013-10-04T12:55:54.025-07:00

Yeah, it's crazy! Sometimes I forget what is typical of other kids her age. But maybe that's a good thing! :)

That would be hard --- trying to find that balance...

2013-10-04T12:42:50.333-07:00

That would be hard --- trying to find that balance of explanation, but of not wanting your daughter to keep hearing about her speech limitations, that she is already very aware of. I would try to explain it in some fun way that is a quick explanation and have something I'd say at the end to make sure my little one knew I thought she was awesome and capable of many things. Do I know what that is? No. Sorry. I actually have been looking up apraxia since you told me about it, I had never heard of it, and am wondering if my 2 y,o. has that or something like that. I need to take her in to find out what's going on with her speech.

I don't typically get in many conversations with people outside my home -- maybe I give off a bad vibe. Or they see 4 crazy kids and crazy mom and run for the hills! It seems to me I might not explain to everyone, because sometimes those people may not even be fully interested. Maybe just limit your explanations to those that seem sincere or invested in the conversation to limit the amount of times you explain it??

You're a fabulous mother to Paige, I know you'll figure something out to say so people can understand what's going on better. I wish I was experienced or helpful.

My sonKyle, is 7 years old and is nonverbal (as we...

2013-10-04T10:16:08.732-07:00

My sonKyle, is 7 years old and is nonverbal (as well as having epilepsy, global developmental delays, and hypotonia). From a quick glance, he appears to be like any other 7-year old but if anyone is around us for just a minute or two, it is apparent that he has special needs. I guess my situation makes it easier for someone to ask questions since him being nonverbal is not the only special need he has.

You are right in saying that every parent is different when responding to people about their own child with special needs. I always try to be very open and for some reason, I hope that people ask questions. I would rather be given the opportunity to talk about his special needs and maybe educate someone a little rather than not being asked at all. Sometimes I try to make a little comment about Kyle's special needs, which helps the other person know that it's okay to ask questions and that I'm willing to talk!

Hi Michelle! Thanks for hosting and sharing this s...

2013-10-04T07:49:39.488-07:00

Hi Michelle! Thanks for hosting and sharing this story. I know you are right at that age when people start "expecting" your child to converse. I did not have a talking three year old until child #3, so I forgot that toddlers should speak!