NASHVILLE, April 2, 2015 — Earlier this week, a resolution sponsored by State Representative Bryan Terry (R–Murfreesboro) to raise awareness regarding childhood apraxia of speech passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support from state lawmakers.

As introduced, the resolution details the importance of early and intensive intervention to address the needs of children with apraxia of speech and the importance of supporting improved awareness of this condition.

Childhood apraxia of speech is a neurological and motor disorder of unknown cause. Children with apraxia have trouble enunciating sounds and coordinating the muscles used for speech. These children are often misdiagnosed as having delayed speech, hearing disorders, or even as being autistic. Because of misdiagnoses and delayed treatment, many of these children suffer from self-esteem issues and even bullying.

“My family has been directly affected by childhood apraxia of speech as my daughter has it,” said Representative Terry. “We are fortunate in that we recognized it early and were able to get the treatment she needed. Some families, however, are not this lucky. My hope is this resolution will help bring awareness to this important issue so children affected by this disorder can get the help they need to live the normal, fully-functioning lives they deserve.”

The full text of House Joint Resolution 12 can be found by visiting

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/109/Bill/HJR0012.pdf.

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