Reading & Writing with Apraxia

How does one learn, or even find the motivation to learn, how to read and write when they cannot even speak their respective language?

Seriously, it sounds impossible. It feels impossible, but I am here to assure each and every one of you it CAN be done.

I struggled initially in school, especially the Elementary School days, in essentially every subject taught. 

However, with reading and writing it very slowly became one of my academic strengths.

On top of the school teachings and homework, I had a reading and writing tutor. We would always have those academic workbooks and we would do extra-studying and extra-practicing of the material. Even during summer vacations! The horror, I tell you!

On a total side-note: Academic work for those with Apraxia always entails doing "extra work" to only be half as good. I am sure those reading this can agree. If you don't, well tell that to the bags permanently under my eyeballs.

Anyways, it was always extra work to learn how to read, how to write, but what about how to enjoy it?

This is when my family had a fantastic idea.

I received my very first journal when I was around 8 years old.

I could draw how my day went and more importantly I could write what was on my mind. I could write about what I wanted to without some teacher or tutor telling me what to do. Or, if I didn't know how to write it, I would try to learn how or write something similar.

Either way, I would write. 

I was a child writer who had a little taste of freedom to express themselves.

Now this journal wasn't the best written work; let's face it, each entry was maybe 1-2 sentences long and consisted of me insulting and criticizing every person that got on my nerves. But, at least it gave me an appreciation to write?

As I got older and had a few more journals after that, I learned that writing is the only place where I don't have an accent. 

Why do you think I decided on a blog instead of a vlog or run a Youtube channel? 

Then, with reading, I could become a better writer. Also, I could escape from anything and anyone. Frankly, my favorite books were Junie B. Jones, she always seemed to have a tougher day than I did and could always laugh about it! She put my frustrations with 'You speak funny' comments to shame. 

Reading and writing went hand-in-hand, but given Apraxia there were some hurdles to overcome. 

The most important aspect though, is if you find the fun you find success.

I found the fun in my first journal, and that merely translated into my academics. That journal gave me a reason to enjoy school and enjoy learning the material, which can be difficult with a struggling student.

However, once again, not impossible.