Learn More about Autism and Apraxia
What is Apraxia?
APRAXIA is the inability to carry out intended motor movements: this includes speech for 40% of all autistics. Apraxia is largely the reason why autistics like John Paul are unable to communicate like you or I. Apraxia has others names, including: Dyspraxia, Motor Coordination Disorder, Motor Planning Disorder, Disorder of Attention and Motor Perception (DAMP), and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The opposite of Apraxia is Praxis, which is the ability for an individual to carry out intended motor movements.
There are four steps to Praxis (normal motor planning): 1. Have the idea2. Plan it 3. Execute it4. Refine it
Neurotypical people do these four steps automatically hundreds of times a day. These are often simple things like picking up a cup of coffee and drinking it, catching a ball, brushing teeth, etc. Everything we do requires these four steps.
Individuals with Apraxia are unable to connect steps 2 and 3: they can conceive of and plan an action, but there is a disconnect between their cognition and their motor functioning.
What is the nature of Autism?
Non-speaking, minimal speaking, and unreliable speaking Autism is a sensorimotor problem, NOT a language and behavior problem. The sensory system and motor planning system do not operate neurotypically. When an autistic has difficulty planning movements (this includes movements of the mouth and tongue for speaking), it's called APRAXIA. Non-speaking, minimal speaking, and unreliable speaking Autistics do not have cognitive impairments. Autistics like John Paul understand you completely, their thinking brain and intellect are fine. The problem is they have trouble making their body do what they want it to do. It is their ability to motor plan and process their sensory systems that is impaired.
This inability to motor plan leads to great misunderstanding.
How can I help my child with Autism right away?
Autistics are highly sensitive. Your child can sense the kind of energy you are carrying with you and will react positively to positive energy and negatively to negative. Even in the many moments when working with JP was extremely tough and I would feel frustrated, I still tried to keep my energy and thoughts positive. If your child can tell you are irritated or anxious, they can become easily disregulated. Autistics already have to deal with motor planning difficulties and sensory issues. Negative energy and thoughts will add pressure to their already stressed psyches and worsen their regulatory skills.
What are the types of Autism?
Autism is, of course, a spectrum, but generally it is rated by severity with a 1, 2, or 3, with 3 being the most severe. Autistics who cannot speak, are minimal speakers (say very little), or unreliable speakers (say words, phrases that seem random) are usually placed in the ASD3 category.
What therapies have you tried?
- What therapies hadn't we tried ? We started formal therapy with John Paul around 30 months.
- The therapies we did:
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), DIR Floortime, Occupational therapy, Speech and Language therapy, P.R.O.M.P.T. therapy for apraxia of speech, Physical therapy, Music therapy, Aqua therapy, Hippo therapy, Tomatis (a type of listening program designed to help rewire the brain), Western medication with a psychiatrist, Chelation therapy, Bio-feedback therapy, Social groups, Special fit (modified workouts), Automatic metronome, Fit lite, Neuro chiropractic therapy, Sensory integration therapy, Hyper-baric therapy, Yoga, Rapid Prompting Method (RPM), Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and Facilitated Communication (FC).
Which therapies helped THE MOST?
When you have an autistic who is severe, you will try anything to help your child that you or insurance, Medicaid, etc. can afford. John Paul benefited from some therapies, more than others. The therapies that helped us the most focused on helping the brain-body disconnect, purposeful movement, integrating the sensory systems and using a letterboard for communication.
The names of the therapies that helped us the most are:Occupational therapy, Aqua therapy, Hippo therapy, DIRFloortime, SCERTS Model, Special fit, Art therapy, Yoga, Music therapy, Fit Lite, Automatic metronome, The spelling methods: RPM, S2C, and FC.
There is now a fourth method called The Spellers Method.
Is my child "in there"?
YES! Regardless of what a friend, doctor, therapist, teacher, RBT, relative, or stranger has said to you, your autistic child, friend, or relative, regardless of age, is IN THERE. They understand you, and they want autonomy. They too have their own feelings, hopes and dreams. Realizing that autism is not a cognitive, or intellectual disability but a sensorimotor disorder and that they are capable of age appropriate materials or higher is called "PRESUMING COMPETENCE."