84R16144 BK-D
 
  By: Dale H.R. No. 1654
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, May 14, 2015, marks the third annual National
  Childhood Apraxia Awareness Day, an observance that brings
  attention to a particularly challenging and persistent
  communication disorder in children; and
         WHEREAS, Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological
  condition characterized by difficulty performing the movements
  needed to make speech, even when no weakness exists in the speech
  muscles; in severe cases, the disorder can greatly inhibit a
  child's speech development, placing affected children at high risk
  for struggles with literacy and other skills related to school
  performance; and
         WHEREAS, Early intervention and speech therapy are key to
  helping children with CAS overcome barriers to communication, and
  thus it is imperative that families be well-informed and assisted
  in accessing these services; successfully addressing the disorder
  also requires increased public awareness and support at the local,
  state, and federal levels, including from schools and insurance
  providers; and
         WHEREAS, A communication disorder is a hardship that no child
  deserves to face, but with time and commitment, families and
  professionals can help young people with CAS learn to communicate
  effectively and go on to lead happier, more productive lives; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize May 14, 2015, as Apraxia Awareness Day
  in Texas and encourage citizens to work within their communities to
  increase awareness and understanding of childhood apraxia of
  speech.