Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 24, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, Chattanooga, Tennessee, will host the Walk for Apraxia, the largest awareness and fundraising event in the U.S. for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Funds raised will benefit Apraxia Kids, a nonprofit organization focused on providing resources for affected children and their families. The event will feature family activities and a group walk to raise awareness about CAS, emphasizing the importance of community support and early intervention for children with this speech disorder.
Chattanooga Hosts Walk for Apraxia to Raise Awareness and Funds for Children with Speech Disorder
The Walk for Apraxia is scheduled for this weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking it as the largest fundraising and awareness event in the United States for children affected by childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). This motor speech disorder makes it difficult for young children to articulate their thoughts, significantly impacting their ability to communicate.
Funds raised during the Walk will directly support the programs and services offered by Apraxia Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with apraxia. The event will feature family-friendly activities, a ceremony, and a short group walk aimed at raising awareness about CAS and its effects on children and their families.
Following the Chattanooga event, the 2024 Walk for Apraxia will also take place in Nashville on September 21st at Cornelia Fort Airpark, with activities starting at 9:00 AM and a ceremony at 10:00 AM. Registration for the Nashville event is free, encouraging families to come together in support of children with this speech disorder.
Treatment methods for childhood apraxia of speech predominantly involve intensive speech therapy sessions. However, it is important to note that there currently exists no cure for this condition. For effective intervention, it is crucial to raise awareness within communities. Increased awareness leads to quicker diagnoses, which is vital for implementing timely treatment strategies for affected children.
Neil Kilby, a father of a child diagnosed with apraxia, highlights the significance of having a supportive network for children with CAS that includes parents, family, and organizations like Apraxia Kids. This network plays an essential role in the child’s development and access to resources needed for their progress.
The main objective of the Walk for Apraxia is to demonstrate widespread support for children diagnosed with CAS and their families. The funds generated through both the Chattanooga and Nashville events will directly benefit Apraxia Kids, which focuses on educating families, caregivers, and speech-language professionals to ensure better diagnosis and treatment for children struggling with this speech disorder.
Background on Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood apraxia of speech is a neurological condition affecting the brain pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements necessary for speech. This can result in children having difficulties saying sounds, syllables, and words, which can be frustrating for both the children and their families.
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management of the disorder, and ongoing support is vital for the child’s long-term success and confidence in communication.
Event Details
- Chattanooga Event: This weekend
- Nashville Event: September 21, 2024, at Cornelia Fort Airpark, starting at 9:00 AM
- Registration: Free for Nashville event
Importance of Awareness and Support
Awareness initiatives like the Walk for Apraxia are pivotal in creating responsive communities that can recognize and address the needs of children with CAS. Supporting organizations like Apraxia Kids ensures that families have access to valuable resources that aid in the effective treatment of childhood apraxia of speech.
FAQ
What is the Walk for Apraxia?
The Walk for Apraxia is the largest fundraising and awareness event for children affected by childhood apraxia of speech in the United States.
When and where will the Walk for Apraxia take place?
The Walk for Apraxia is set to take place this weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Nashville event will be held on September 21, 2024, at Cornelia Fort Airpark, starting at 9:00 AM.
What support will the funds raised provide?
Funds raised from the Walk will support the programs and services of Apraxia Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children with apraxia.
What is childhood apraxia of speech?
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to speak.
Are there treatment options for childhood apraxia of speech?
Treatment for childhood apraxia of speech includes intense speech therapy, but there is no cure.
Key Features of the Walk for Apraxia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Walk for Apraxia |
| Location | Chattanooga, Tennessee (this weekend), Nashville, Tennessee (September 21, 2024) |
| Purpose | Raise awareness and funds for children with childhood apraxia of speech |
| Beneficiary | Apraxia Kids |
| Activities | Family-friendly activities, ceremony, group walk |
| Treatment | Intense speech therapy with no current cure |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Recent Incidents Raise Safety Concerns in Chattanooga
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel9: Walk for Apraxia in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- TN Tribune: Nashville Walk for Apraxia
- Google Search: Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- NewsChannel9: Family Escapes Home Fire in Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speech Disorder
- NewsChannel9: Historical Ship Replicas in Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga Events
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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