My Speech Journey

Hi, I’m Elina. I want to share my journey with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) in hopes that it helps others know they’re not alone.

The Beginning

When I was young, I was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech. For those who don’t know, CAS is a motor speech disorder where the brain struggles to tell the mouth how to move to form words. It’s not about not knowing what to say — it’s about the path from brain to mouth being a bit tangled.

Speech therapy became a regular part of my life. Hours upon hours of practice, repetition, and hard work. Some days were frustrating. Some days I wanted to give up. But I kept going.

The Challenges

Growing up with a speech disorder can be isolating. People sometimes didn’t understand me, or assumed things about me that weren’t true. Kids can be mean. Adults can be impatient. It would have been easy to retreat, to stay quiet, to let my voice remain unheard.

But I had support — my family, my therapists, and eventually, others who understood what I was going through. That support made all the difference.

Finding My Voice

Today, I’m a college student running Young Able Voices. I’ve given a TEDx talk. I’ve been interviewed on podcasts and featured in articles. My voice — the very thing that once felt like my biggest struggle — has become my greatest strength.

That’s not to say everything is perfect. I still work on my speech. I still have challenging days. But I’ve learned that our challenges don’t define us—how we face them does.

Why I Started YAV

I created Young Able Voices because I wished I’d had something like it when I was younger. A place to connect with kids who get it. A community where having a hidden disability doesn’t make you feel alone.

If you’re struggling right now, I want you to know: your future is bright. The challenges you’re facing? They’re preparing you for something amazing. Keep going.