Right around Micah's 7th birthday we finally received the diagnosis of severe verbal apraxia and a lack of sensory at the front of his mouth. Coupled with his Down syndrome, it was predicted that he'd never talk clearly enough to be well understood. I'd come to the same conclusions on my own prior to this (including the apraxia diagnosis) so it was actually a relief to have my suspicions confirmed. We knew what we faced and I had answers.
You'd think I'd be super concerned about this, but you'd be wrong. I know that Micah was created on purpose to be just like he is. God has a reason for making nonverbal kids just like He has a reason for making kids with Down syndrome. I cannot do anything about the situation by worrying, but as a mom it's my job to be sure that I'm doing everything in my powers to help him.
The year that Micah was 5, I determined that if he couldn't use his own words to speak, I'd help him get words to use. After a long and involved struggle, we secured a speaking device for our son. Micah now has a Vantage Lite from Prentke-Romich that enables him to speak for himself.
The story of his Voice follows.
He Needs A Voice
Getting No Help
The Appointment
Frustration and Roadblocks
Prentke-Romich Found Me!
The First Day With a Voice
Two Weeks With a Voice
Evaluated, and Moving Up
Company Recognition
Choosing His Voice
We Have Our Own Voice!
And because I am a mom and have bragging rights, I will share that Micah has been featured in the 2010 Prentke-Romich catalog. I know, right?!
