Episode 39: Childhood Apraxia of Speech and IEP Advocacy | Jordan LeVan

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Jordan LeVan to explore his powerful journey living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Jordan shares what it was like growing up with a motor planning disorder that made verbal communication incredibly challenging, and how early struggles in diagnosis and therapy shaped his path forward.

Through an honest and insightful conversation, Jordan breaks down the realities of speech therapy for children with CAS, emphasizing the importance of understanding motor planning and individualized approaches to communication. He also highlights how communication disorders can impact not just speech, but learning, confidence, and social-emotional development.

A passionate advocate, Jordan dives into the critical role families play in navigating IEPs and special education systems. He shares practical strategies for parents, including understanding their legal rights, preparing for meetings, and ensuring their child receives appropriate services—whether through speech therapy or AAC tools.

Jordan also discusses his advocacy work through the Apraxia Foundation and Fighting for My Voice, organizations dedicated to raising awareness and improving support for individuals with communication disorders.

This episode is both empowering and informative for parents, educators, and anyone seeking to better understand the lived experience of CAS—and how advocacy can truly change lives.

Jordan’s personal experience with childhood apraxia of speech
Understanding CAS as a motor planning disorder
Challenges in speech therapy and effective approaches
The impact of communication disorders on education and emotional health
Navigating IEPs and special education advocacy
Legal rights under IDEA and FERPA
The role of AAC and alternative communication methods
Advocacy through the Apraxia Foundation and Fighting for My Voice

🌐 Visit our website: mef2cast.com
🛒 Check out our merch: mef2cast.printify.me
📩 Questions, comments, or interested in being a guest? Email us at: info@mef2cast.com
📘 Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/mef2cast

🧠 Subjects Covered:🌐 Resources:📩 Connect with MEF2Cast:

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(46)

Core Conversations: Cody and Shawnacy Bruce

In this Core Conversation, we revisit our conversation with Shawnacy and Cody Bruce, parents navigating the beautifully complex world of raising two daughters—one of whom, Boston, has developmental de...

24 Apr 1h 24min

Episode 38: Finding the Path with Audra and Phil Kimmett

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Audra and Phil Kimmett to talk about their journey raising their son William, who was diagnosed with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS). Through a c...

13 Mar 1h 16min

Episode 37: Therapy, Parenthood, and Family with Julia Irwin

In this episode of the MEF2Cast, we sit down with Julia Irwin, mom to Elsie, to share their family’s journey with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome. Julia reflects on Elsie’s early birth and low birth...

27 Feb 1h 4min

Core Conversations: Dr Christopher Cowan

In this episode of our Core Conversations series, we explore the critical role of MEF2C, a transcription factor that shapes early brain development and influences a wide range of neurological function...

6 Feb 47min

Core Conversations- Jennifer and Keith Aguirre

Core Conversations are revisited episodes from our archives that still stick with us and feel especially relevant, offering meaningful insight for families in the MEF2C community.In this Core Conversa...

30 Jan 3h 30min

Episode 36: Navigating MCHS with Helle and Andreas

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Helle and Andreas to share their family’s journey navigating life with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS). Helle reflects on the early signs that so...

23 Jan 1h 16min

Episode 35: Understanding Leucovorin with Dr. Elizabeth Laughlin, PharmD

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Laughlin, PharmD, to explore the use of Leucovorin, a prescription form of folate, and its emerging role in supporting children with certain neurologica...

16 Jan 37min