Overcoming Apraxia

by Laura Baskall Smith

When a child isn't speaking, parents are often reassured that all children develop at their own pace. Many times, experts can't agree on what is normal and offer different advice. Understandably, parents may not know where to go or with whom to consult. In many instances, there is no cause for concern; however, in others late talking could be a symptom of a more serious problem. The outdated advice to "wait and see" can cause more damage than good.

In this unique and unparalleled book, Laura Baskall Smith, a speech/language pathologist (SLP) specializing in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) candidly describes her daughter's personal journey with overcoming apraxia while providing expert resources and tips for parents and professionals. Having been a practicing SLP before the birth and diagnosis of her daughter, Laura offers her distinctive professional and personal perspectives being on both sides of this complex, neurological speech disorder.

166 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2019

Reviews

[akacya ❦]

2024 reads: 116/250

2024 tbr: 52/120

in this memoir, speech-language pathologist (SLP) laura baskall smith details her daughter ashlynn’s journey with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). the journey of ashlynn’s delayed speech, diagnosis, and social development are all discussed. as a speech-language pathology graduate student, it was really interesting to see into a parent’s perspective on CAS. i also think this would be good for parents of children with CAS since it explores the SLP and medical sides of the disorder.

[Miranda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful to hear another Mother’s story

My son was just diagnosed with apraxia and it has been very discouraging how little information is available on it. Reading this book helped me process a bit and I think it has helped me get prepared for next steps and what to expect.

[Caitlyn Noble · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I’m glad I read this book… I was encouraged and discouraged by it. I did book mark a few approaches to research more and was encouraged by success stories in the book.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this book a three-star rating because honestly, this woman's story came off as whiny and complaining and it drove me crazy by the end. We GET it, you're an SPL who has a challenged daughter. This is not Netflix, you don't have to remind me what happened in the last episode.

On the plus side:
- It's a quick read.
- It made me realize that my child is not as bad off as we might have immediately felt as parents.
- It gave me hope and celebrity success stories.
- It helped me understand what my options are for replacing Early Intervention which hasn't been working for us.
- It contextualized the journey I will be on if my child needs to continue to use Special Services.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gives me hope

My son is almost four and as of this writing can say mama, dada, papa, nana, and NO. I love this kid and we've been through hell trying to find a diagnosis, but all we've gotten after countless doctors, specialists, and mountains of medical bills is "appraxia and global developmental delays".

We live in rural CO so there are no SLPs anywhere near us trained to deal with appraxia. But I will read and study and become who my son needs to treat this thing if need be.

Thank you Laura for your amazing book and story. Will definitely be combing through the resources you provided.

[Amanda Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible read. Was assigned this in a college course, and cannot describe the emphasis that landed and how well it resonated with me. I urge anyone in the field to read this as well as anyone who may know someone struggling with speech. Truly wonderful take on managing the emotional and professional aspects of the field. So very thankful for a text like this, and it was a very easy read as well!

[Mae Durnen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly one of the most infuriating books I have ever read. I couldn’t even finish it. It could easily have been half the size of the author wouldn’t have repeated the same “woe is me” comments. The author came off as whiny and selfish the entire time. Of course having a child with such a disability is disheartening and obviously life-changing, and I’m not discrediting that. However, the approach could have been a lot different than the “Why did this have to happen to ME?” mindset.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative read for future SLPs and parents of children with Apraxia.

[Isabelle]

I had to read this for school, so yes it’s getting added to my reading goal!

however it was very educational as a future speech therapist !

[Luanne P Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative book about a child and parent's journey with CAS. Heartfelt words from a mother and speech therapist. It had helped me with understanding speech problems with my grandchild.

[Kris Neuhalfen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smith writes from the unique perspective of educated clinician specializing in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and the often guilt-ridden, sometimes intimidated, but always dedicated and determined mother of a child with CAS. Smith allows the reader to feel what it is like to be in the skin of a parent and a child with unique needs, while presenting advice, articles, books, videos, websites, and other pointers and resources. Smith's true desire to bring earlier and increased awareness of CAS and intensive and specialized therapy to all children affected shouts from the pages of this book. Parents will be equipped with the tools to find their own voices enabling them to advocate for their children and navigate the minefield of tests, specialists, therapists, and challenges on their own journeys. Clinicians will be equipped with therapy resources especially targeted for children with CAS, and gain some insight on what it is like to be the parent on the other side of the table...

[Scott Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apraxia can be overwhelming for a family new to the diagnosis, and “Overcoming Apraxia” does a wonderful job of documenting this family’s journey. The passion of the author as a mom of a child with apraxia, combined with her professional expertise as a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in apraxia, makes this book a must have for families within the apraxia community.

[december lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an impactful read

Hello! I read this for my class as an undergraduate major in speech language and hearing sciences. Although I am directly studying disorders such as Apraxia for my career, I think this is such an important read to pick up even if you aren’t familiar with the world of speech and language disabilities.

[Kkop12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read book that I would be willing to share with parents that are new to the diagnosis. Speaks in laments terms but provides enough information to give them a clear picture of the hard work that goes into treating this disorder, as well as the comorbities that parents might expect.