Happy Apraxia awareness day! The 14th of May 2023 is Apraxia awareness day. And if you’re wondering, what is Apraxia of speech? Check out our blog here, which also has some helpful strategies to help with apraxia of speech.
If you’re also wondering, why have I heard of this before? It’s because TV and football legend Chris Kamara or “Kammy” has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech. He previously said: “Initially I was in denial. I’m a dinosaur. I suffered in silence for about 20 months and in that time my thyroid gland became virtually non-existent , so that could be the reason for all my problems along the line, by just not going to see a doctor.
“Now not only have I got an underactive thyroid, the apraxia of speech has come on, my balance is no good, I’m really weak.” (https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2022-12-13/kamara-suffering-with-balance-issues-and-weakness-due-to-thyroid-issue).
Despite all of these challenges, Chris has been on our screens, raising awareness of Apraxia of speech and generally continues to be the legend we all know and love. His programme “Lost for Words” is an absolute must watch. It just goes to show that with a little openness and understanding from the general public, people can continue to achieve great things, even with communication challenges. It’s been amazing to watch the support for Kammy and what an amazing job he has done with raising awareness for the need for more speech therapy, particularly for kids with apraxia of speech.
Keep on being a legend Kammy! If you or your loved one is looking for support with apraxia of speech, then please do contact us here.
