As a dedicated parent, I spent the first 32 years of my life striving for excellence in every aspect. I aimed for top grades, a flawless driving record, and even high scores on mobile games. When I was expecting my daughter, I envisioned raising a child who would surpass every milestone — knowing her colors before her first birthday and diving into chapter books by age four, or at least five, since I was willing to be a bit lenient.
In that initial year, I eagerly tracked each developmental milestone, celebrating when she surpassed the expected timelines. By 17 months, she had a complete set of baby teeth, which only fueled my aspirations for her future. Rolling over, sitting up, and walking — I was already imagining flights to Stockholm for her Nobel Prize acceptance!
However, things took a turn when we spent a day with a friend’s son who was a few months older and already beginning to recognize letters. My competitive nature kicked in. If he could do it, surely my daughter could too! But as she turned 15 months, I realized she had yet to say any words, let alone the alphabet.
By 18 months, while her peers were showcasing their growing vocabularies, my daughter struggled even to articulate “Momma,” which sounded more like “Mamamamamama.” I was perplexed. Why wasn’t she speaking? Medical professionals reassured me, saying, “She’s just a late bloomer. Many children don’t start talking until they are two,” and “Just give her some time.” But I wanted her to amaze our friends at her second birthday party by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
After her second birthday, we began seeking answers. We encountered terms like “autism” and “hearing impairment.” We consulted various specialists, including ENT doctors and therapists. Eventually, we received a diagnosis that made sense: apraxia. I had to confront the reality that my daughter might not be the youngest in her Sunday school class to recite the alphabet backward — and it would be well after her third birthday before she spoke any coherent words. It took her six months of speech therapy just to begin mastering the letter “B.”
Apraxia posed a significant challenge to my perfectionistic tendencies. It felt as though my dreams for her future had hit a brick wall. How could I teach her hundreds of sight words before kindergarten if I struggled to understand her? I wanted to set measurable goals and timelines, and yet with apraxia, the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty.
Eight months post-diagnosis, I’ve learned that my daughter has her own unique timeline. The accolades I once envisioned may never materialize. The absence of a clear milestone calendar for apraxia makes me uncomfortable. But I have come to realize that her greatest achievement may not be tied to conventional benchmarks. She confronts daily challenges with a condition that complicates one of the most fundamental human functions: speech. Yet, she remains unfazed, embracing her social nature, enjoying music and books, and making friends effortlessly.
Her diagnosis has taught me to slow down and appreciate her journey. I’ve learned to let go of my preconceived notions of who she should be and to celebrate who she truly is. I no longer want to waste time longing for a childhood that I envisioned; instead, I want to walk alongside her, in step with her pace.
The road ahead with apraxia can be long and winding, but there may still be a valedictorian speech waiting for her at the end of it. If you’re considering starting your own family journey, you might find helpful resources like the Baby Maker at Home Insemination Kit and the Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo to be of great assistance. For more information on artificial insemination, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource.
Summary
The journey of parenting a child with apraxia can be challenging, but it also offers unique insights and growth. While traditional milestones may not apply, embracing your child’s individuality and their pace is crucial. Learning to appreciate the journey can enrich both your life and your child’s experience.
Keyphrase: My Child’s Apraxia Journey
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]