Arkansans,  Short Stories,  The story we tell....

Speech Apraxia isn’t what holds me back.

My son has speech apraxia, a rare condition that affects 1 out of 1,000 neurotypical kids, and at least 10% of kids with Down syndrome or other developmental conditions.

it basically means that even though he knows the words he wants to say, and completely understands their meaning, he cannot make the right sounds come out of his mouth.

At a public park the other day, another dad and I stood next to each other, talking about our sons. I told him my son couldn’t speak, and his initial response was “I’m sorry.”

This story is my response.


In addition to the behavior change I ask you to consider at the end of this story, I would like to encourage you to take action.

Since an estimated 10% – 15% of American children and adults are reportedly deaf or non-verbal, please ask your state and federal legislators to require that every school in your state teach American Sign Language to every student. All children benefit from learning Sign Language.


If you are a photo editor, and have interest in a story about how children with speech apraxia and/or Down syndrome (or their parents) experience the speaking world, please feel free to email me at [email protected].


Click on the first photo to see the complete photos in gallery format.

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