I’ve got apraxia, and there are a few things my speech therapists never mentioned—so buckle up for some real talk.
1. Social and Emotional Hurdles are Real
Having apraxia didn’t mean I was friendless, but it definitely made socializing tricky. Imagine being that kid on the playground who’s constantly asked to pronounce tricky words. Or being pulled from class and questioned about it. The eye rolls when it was time to read aloud? Yeah, I felt those too. Adults would nod along as I spoke, pretending to understand but often leaving me unheard. While therapists might hint at relationship impacts, they probably won’t give you the full picture of those everyday struggles.
2. Apraxia Isn’t Just a Childhood Concern
You may find yourself tripping over words even as an adult, especially when you’re tired. Friends might chuckle, thinking you just need a nap when in reality, you’re dealing with persistent effects of apraxia. You might struggle with sounds, particularly vowels, and end up fielding questions about your accent. Taking foreign languages? Good luck getting marked down for pronunciation when forming sounds in your native tongue is a challenge. Mastering your /r/ sound won’t magically resolve everything; it’s a lifelong journey.
3. Discrimination is a Reality
Eventually, you might face judgments like, “You can’t be a public speaker” or “You should steer clear of teaching.” I was told I could never become a speech therapist—yet here I am in grad school, proving them wrong. Being part of a minority means the world often isn’t designed for you, but that can make you stronger. You’ll develop resilience, and you’ll learn to fight back.
4. Advocacy is Key
If you have other diagnoses, schools might overlook apraxia altogether. It can be frustrating when they don’t recognize how it affects your reading and phonemic awareness, especially when your test results mirror those with dyslexia. You might have to advocate hard for the accommodations you need, and when you do, don’t be surprised if teachers roll their eyes as if your requests are a burden. But remember, finding your voice through this can empower you.
5. Choosing Speech Therapy as a Career Can Be Tough
If you aspire to be a speech therapist, brace yourself for some skepticism. You may have to take standardized tests alongside classmates, and facing failure can be humiliating. Instructors might question your ability to engage with children, especially if you still grapple with prosody at times. They may even suggest alternative career paths. But guess what? You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Your journey will be hard, but it will also make you a more compassionate therapist.
6. Struggles May Persist, But Success is Possible
You’ve navigated challenges that many don’t even consider, and through that, you’ll foster empathy for others. You might still get nervous talking to new people or feel frustrated by those who doubted you, and that’s completely normal. However, your passion, resilience, and creativity will shine through. No matter your struggles, you’ll always be a part of the apraxia community.
In summary, living with apraxia can be a rollercoaster of social challenges, discrimination, and advocacy. But with perseverance and grit, you can turn your experiences into strengths that empower you and others.
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