Leslie A. Lindsay

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Apraxia Monday: GIVE-A-WAY–“I Want to be Your Friend”

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By Leslie Lindsay

There is something so sweet about Angela Baublitz’s new book that will touch you for the rest of the day.  The week.  The month.  It may stay with you forever.  In her book, “I Want to be Your Friend,” (CASANA, 2011) Ms. Baublitz brings her daughter’s words to life as she shares with the reader that apraxia (CAS) is not just about a child who can’t use her words to communicate effectively, but about a little girl who wants to share with the world that she is just like any other kid.  And she wants to be your friend.  I’m giving away a brand-new copy today! 

The first book ever to be published by CASANA (Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America), you will find this one helpful and positive not just for a child with CAS (it is a children’s book to be read with a child), but also appropriate for introductory reading for a parent, teacher, or grandparent.

Here’s the tear-jerker: on one of the first few pages, after telling the reader a bit about CAS, the author puts in this piece, “I have a hard time talking.  That is how God made me when I was born.”  There, in living color is “baby Emma,” (it is through these eyes the story is told) all plump and shiny and newly born.

The book goes on to talk about (no pun intended) how important the work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is, as well as the fact that this little girl–Emma (4 years) is just an ordinary little girl who likes to dance, play, rollerskate and swim.

At the end of the book is an information guide to understanding CAS better.

Yet another strong message of the book is that parents ought to be equipped to be the best advocate for their child with CAS by reading research articles, finding a treatment plan that works with your family, and seeking other outlets to get the word out.

No apraxia bookshelf is complete without this book!  Good to know I’m giving a copy to a lucky blog reader.  All you have to do is email me leslie_lindsay@hotmail.com or post something in today’s comment section about how you intend to use this book.  I’ll mail it to you free of charge.  Parents, grandparents, teachers, SLPs…you are all welcome to enter.  I will be drawing a name at random on Wednesday, June 29th.  I’ll post your response and the name of the winner on the blog (with your permission, of course).  Good luck!!!

THIS JUST IN:  Jill. M. is the WINNER of the “I Want to be Your Friend” book give-a-way.  Thanks to all of you who entered and shared your thoughful comments.  6.29.11 at 3pm

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14 responses to “Apraxia Monday: GIVE-A-WAY–“I Want to be Your Friend””

  1. Bluestem Avatar
    Bluestem

    So, do we have a winner? 🙂

    Reply
    1. leslie1218 Avatar
      leslie1218

      Yes! Thanks for asking…the winner was announced on Wednesday’s blog. It was Jill M. And her daughter, Finley of Chicagoland. Stay tuned…we’ll have more giveaways in the near future!

      Sent from my Windows Phone

      Reply
  2. leslie1218 Avatar
    leslie1218

    Leslie,
    I as a grandparent to [a child with CAS], have learned so much this past year. My daughter has been awesome. I would love a copy of this book to read myself and have the chance to share with my family members and to all that helped us on the SW MI walk this past weekend.

    I do have a question that I wish I thought about when I attended my few groups. How due other grandparents been reacting to having a grandchild with Apraxia.

    That might be a good group discussion in the future and also see if the grandparents can attend.

    Thank you for your valued time,

    Gloria

    Reply
  3. leslie1218 Avatar
    leslie1218

    I’ve been lucky before, i might as well try again! 🙂

    I am really interested in the idea behind this new book. In our family, there has been a lot of talk about why kids are they way they are and it suddenly occurred to my oldest that his little sister and brother are a little different because they have CAS. I’d use the book to talk about it more in oru own family, but also share it with friends. My daughter will either start school in the fall (or a preschool) once we determine which meets her needs best. Either way, she will be meeting new kids and this might be a way for them to understand why she has trouble saying some things.

    Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
    Chris F

    Reply
  4. Bluestem Avatar
    Bluestem

    It’s Nea’s birthday this week, so I’d love to read this with her. It would be nice to share with her mainstream class in the fall, too.

    Reply
    1. leslie1218 Avatar
      leslie1218

      Oh, this would be a wonderful treat for a birthday! Thanks for the comment and good luck!

      Leslie A..Lindsay, R.N., B.S.N.

      Blogger “Practical Parenting with a Twist!”

      http://www.leslie4kids.wordpress.com

      Author of forthcoming, Speaking of Apraxia: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Coping with Childhood Apraxia of Speech

      Parent Facilitator of Small Talk: All About Apraxia

      Reply
  5. Barbara Topol Matt Avatar
    Barbara Topol Matt

    One of the things I’ struggling with is how to explain to my son’s class about his disability. There are notable differences – he gets pulled out for speech and for reading help. He has access to a classroom aide. I just feel they need to realize that he is the same as they are and I think this book would be a great start have a conversation with his classmates.

    Reply
    1. leslie1218 Avatar
      leslie1218

      Yes, I agree Barbara. This would be such a great resource to educate kiddos at school. A perfect idea!

      Reply
  6. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Looking forward to reading this book! I would use this book to not only educate my husband and me, but to reach out to our extended family and our friends to help them better understand my sweet daughter. I also think that our son would benefit from reading this as well as Finley! Thanks for helping us find these things Leslie!

    Reply
    1. leslie1218 Avatar
      leslie1218

      Jill, thanks for your comment! It would be a great resource to loan to others who are just learning about CAS. Really good for grandparents to read their grandkids! Best of luck!

      Reply
  7. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    Leslie,

    Sounds like an amazing story. Kimberly may not have had CAS but she did stuggle for years when she was little. Her progress was amazing, watching your girls conquer their chanenges as well has been remarkable. Thanks for sharing!

    Carrie

    Reply
    1. leslie1218 Avatar
      leslie1218

      As a mom whose “been there,” you know just how important a book like this can be for children and the families who care for them. Thanks for your comment, Carrie!

      Reply
  8. Andrea L Sullivan Avatar
    Andrea L Sullivan

    Neat, I have been wondering about this book! I would most likely read it to my boys, just to increase their understanding of it and to help P see that there are others out there who have the same problems he does, but may also share it with family if it seems like it might be something that would be helpful for them to help understand CAS.

    Reply
    1. leslie1218 Avatar
      leslie1218

      It’s adorable, Andrea! I think it definitely will help with the understanding of the disorder and for kiddos to relate, “Hey, it’s not just me.” My daughter, who is 6yrs loved looking at the pictures and reading some of the easier words. I think she really related. Good luck!!

      Reply

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