In 2004 the Apraxia Kids National Conference was held for the first time but it looked very different from what we currently know and love as the Apraxia Kids National Conference! 

The idea was started by a few parents who had never met others in the apraxia community with some sessions and a couple speakers. Since the 2004 National Conference was a success, Apraxia Kids decided to host small regional conferences in 2005, but with so many smaller conferences, attendance was low and it was hard to arrange so many speakers. In 2006, Apraxia Kids decided to host one big National Conference to bring together both parents and professionals in the apraxia community. 

Between 2006 and 2020, a National Conference was held every year. The attendees were fairly evenly split between parents/caregivers and professionals. The conference moved around the United States from California, to Texas, to North Carolina, to Minnesota, to Illinois, to Colorado, to Nevada, and of course Pittsburgh to name a few locations. Each year had a special theme and new professionals and parents were attending every year as our apraxia community grew. The learning that happened and the connections that were made were invaluable.  

In 2020, COVID-19 caused the National Conference to be canceled. In 2021, COVID-19 would still be a factor but the need for connection and education was so great that the first virtual conference was held. This virtual conference allowed the doors to be opened to even more families and professionals around the globe. Everyone loved being able to connect virtually from the comfort of their homes so it was decided to continue to offer a virtual component ever since. Having a virtual option is more accessible for families and professionals so they are still able to acquire the most up to date information regarding CAS without having to travel. After seeing a new large international outreach in 2024, Apraxia Kids decided to host a fully interactive National Conference for 2025! This year’s conference will allow live participation from community members from around the world including speakers from over 10 different countries and attendees from over 16 different countries already registered! We can’t wait to meet and engage with you this year.

The original focus of the Apraxia Kids National Conference was for parents, but that quickly changed with more and more professionals attending. Our Vice President of Programs, Laura Moorer reflects on the connections she has made by attending Apraxia Kids National Conferences since 2011, “Not only has it increased my knowledge and understanding of how to assess, diagnose, and treat CAS as an SLP (even now I learn new things), but I have met the most amazing people – both professionals, family members and apraxia stars on their journey, and am constantly awed, proud and touched by all involved within the apraxia community across the globe.”

Learn more about the 2025 Apraxia Kids National Conference here!