Any experience with apraxia?

kcisthebombdotcom

My son is currently in the process for being evaluated for a speech delay (21 months, only has 5 words he uses regularly). I was dx with apraxia as a child and worked with speech therapist for a number of years. I know that has a genetic component to it, so this is likely what we're looking at (although I was told by the therapist it's not a diagnosis they like to designate for a child under 3).

Any personal experiences you could share with me? What kind of therapy am I looking at/for how long?  I am fairly new to the EI process.

TIA

virginiamorse

My 5 year old DS is Apraxic.  He was diagnosed at age 3, when he was just becoming verbal.  My DS has made tremendous progress in the 2 years since his dx.  Intelligibility is still a big issue for him, strangers understand probably about 50% of what he says. 

It has taken alot of work to get him to this point.  Private speech for 2-3 hours a week and 90 minutes a week of speech in school.  EI was crap for us, once he got into the school district it was much better, but really private is necessary (imo) to treat Apraxia. 

At first DS did best with PROMPT, also worked with Kaufman method alot the first year after dx.  They still use PROMPT with him for some sounds that are really hard for him.  Individual therapy is key, group therapy is not appropriate for treating Apraxia.