Meet Saige

What is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a disorder that effects the brain's ability to plan movements of the mouth, lips, and jaw. The child knows what he/she wants to say but the brain is unable to form and produce words, syllables and sounds.

This is Saige.

 When I first met her she was four and attending preschool in my building. She busily colored while we discussed what her kindergarten school year experience would be like. When Saige had begun preschool she was able to produce approximately six sounds. She was in speech therapy and making great progress. Her teachers were learning her speech patterns and her parents were extremely supportive to Saige getting her as much help as needed.
I have learned so much from this little girl. I don't think I have ever met a child who is more understanding and tolerant of others with special needs. Her best friend has autism in our classroom and Saige, without fail, supports her and works to engage her in classroom activities. She has to do double sometimes triple the work to get her message across. She has to slow down, repeat, have patience with herself and her listeners.  Saige is the kind of student you meet and you know she is going to do something amazing with her life. Saige reminds me everyday how lucky I am to be a teacher. I get to watch her make leaps and bounds. I get to see her feel success. I get to watch her grow and celebrate with her each school day.