Palatine calls attention to children's speech disorder

Young Austin Kelso was center stage at this week's Palatine village council meeting as Mayor Jim Schwantz read into the official record a proclamation for the inaugural Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day.

Mom Nichole Kelso, her 4-year-old son and others donned green "Austin's All-Stars" T-shirts calling attention to the challenging speech disorder in children as they gathered with Schwantz in front of the village council dais.

Palatine's resolution states children with apraxia of speech have significant difficulty learning to talk. It is among the most severe speech deficits in kids.

"Most children with apraxia of speech will learn to communicate with their very own voices only if they receive early intervention, appropriate, intensive and frequent speech therapy," says the village's proclamation.

Kelso said Austin goes through a lot of therapy. She thanked her family, friends, Schwantz and others for their support.

Village council spectators cheered after Austin said "thank you" to Schwantz. The mayor then handed the proclamation to the boy.

"It is imperative there be greater public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech in Palatine among community members, physicians, education professionals, policymakers and elected officials," says the proclamation.

Tuesday was designated as Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day in Palatine and elsewhere.