By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The San Diego Walk for Apraxia will host a benefit walk on October 14 to bring awareness of this rare motor speech disorder that affects children nationwide.
The event begins at 10 a.m. with a ceremony at 11 a.m. at Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Dr. in Santee.
The Walk for Apraxia is the largest community event that celebrates the hard work of children diagnosed with motor disorders.
Apraxia is a rare motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for an individual to speak. Although there is no cure for the disorder, individuals can seek treatment from therapists.
Organizers say raising awareness of the disorder is one of the most tangible ways that communities can help children with apraxia thrive. Collective increased awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, resulting in better, earlier intervention.
“While most neurotypical children spend their free time participating in a variety of extra-curricular activities, children with CAS often spend their extra time attending therapies several times a week,” said April Black, manager for the Walk for Apraxia program, and a parent of a child with apraxia. “Frequently, they miss out on those social opportunities and the positive recognition that comes with them. The walk is their chance to be recognized and celebrated for all their efforts and gains from the year.”
The funds raised through the San Diego Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia Kids, the leading nonprofit that works to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with childhood apraxia of speech. The organization educates both families and speech-language professionals so that children with the disorder can reach their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment.
For more information on the Walk for Apraxia, visit their website.
