Hi, my name is Aaron Blum, and I have Apraxia. Growing up with Apraxia was very challenging. When I was a baby, I could not talk until I was 4 years old, and I was also unable to walk or craw until I was 2. Once diagnosed with Apraxia, I received speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and Special Education. A particular method for speech that helped with Apraxia is called P.R.O.M.P.T. I remember my parents had to drive me to Toronto every week to see a speech teacher who is certified in P.R.O.M.P.T. because, at that time, there was no one in Buffalo certified in P.R.O.M.P.T. In fact, I was the reason why my mom became P.R.O.M.P.T. certified and was able to bring this method to Buffalo.

Going through school with Apraxia was very challenging. As a result, I received OT and PT through 4th grade, and I was in special education and received speech therapy through my senior year in high school. In addition to my parents, I would not have been able to get through school and graduate from high school if it were not for my amazing therapists and special education teachers. They were my cheerleaders and always looked out for me.

Even though I did not go to college because it was too challenging for me, I have a very successful job that I am very thankful for. This is because I have had to face and overcome many difficult obstacles in my life to get where I am today.

If I could give advice to kids with Apraxia, I would tell them to not give up, and you too will find success one day. The Apraxia Foundation means a lot to me because it helps people with Apraxia, and I want everyone with Apraxia to be able to find their voice and be successful!