Titus is three years old and is just like any other typical three-year-old; he loves trains, dogs and anything that is the color orange! Titus brings lots of joy to his big family. He was diagnosed with Autism and Child Apraxia of Speech – meaning that it is extremely difficult for his brain and mouth to work together to communicate.
Not being able to communicate can be extremely frustrating and scary. Titus’ mom, Karen, says: “Learning that Titus has Childhood Apraxia of Speech helped us realize that Titus wasn’t choosing not to talk, but that that he could NOT talk. This diagnosis, as well as the Autism diagnosis, has helped us become so much more patient with him.”
Titus has received evaluations and services from Easter Seals since he was born. He currently receives Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Through these services, Titus has learned how to communicate, whether it is through pictures, signs or words.
Titus’ family loves to communicate. His mom states, “It has been so tough to have a mostly non-verbal child. We have learned some sign language and become very much attuned to Titus to know what he wants and needs!” For Titus’ family, they had to understand how frustrating it was for Titus to want to tell them something, but not able to form the words.
Titus loves to sing, although it may be unrecognizable, he sings songs and his family can recognize the tune – this brings so much joy to Titus’ family, for the longest time, they weren’t sure if Titus would be able to talk at all. It has been a long road for Titus and his family, but being able to communicate – whether through songs, pictures, sign language – is what makes Titus a Champion of his abilities.
Funny story about Titus from Karen:
One of the first ‘words’ that Titus was able to say over and over was: “neeny neeny boo boo.” He would run up to someone, poke them, and then run away. He’d get about 10 feet away, turn and say (over and over) “neeny neeny boo boo! Neeny neeny boo boo!” and shake his little behind – trying to get you to chase him!
Not being able to communicate can be extremely frustrating and scary. Titus’ mom, Karen, says: “Learning that Titus has Childhood Apraxia of Speech helped us realize that Titus wasn’t choosing not to talk, but that that he could NOT talk. This diagnosis, as well as the Autism diagnosis, has helped us become so much more patient with him.”
Titus has received evaluations and services from Easter Seals since he was born. He currently receives Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Through these services, Titus has learned how to communicate, whether it is through pictures, signs or words.
Titus’ family loves to communicate. His mom states, “It has been so tough to have a mostly non-verbal child. We have learned some sign language and become very much attuned to Titus to know what he wants and needs!” For Titus’ family, they had to understand how frustrating it was for Titus to want to tell them something, but not able to form the words.
Titus loves to sing, although it may be unrecognizable, he sings songs and his family can recognize the tune – this brings so much joy to Titus’ family, for the longest time, they weren’t sure if Titus would be able to talk at all. It has been a long road for Titus and his family, but being able to communicate – whether through songs, pictures, sign language – is what makes Titus a Champion of his abilities.
Funny story about Titus from Karen:
One of the first ‘words’ that Titus was able to say over and over was: “neeny neeny boo boo.” He would run up to someone, poke them, and then run away. He’d get about 10 feet away, turn and say (over and over) “neeny neeny boo boo! Neeny neeny boo boo!” and shake his little behind – trying to get you to chase him!