SLP Book Club: Anything But Silent

Anything But Silent: Our Family's Journey Through Childhood Apraxia of Speech [affiliate link] by Kathy & Kate Hennessy is a short book written by a mother and daughter sharing their family's journey through Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).  I had been looking forward to reading this book since I first heard about it when it was released in 2013.  It is a collection of memories written over a 15 year period, and it reads as such.  Parts raw and emotional.  Told in selective snippets, they have kept their story honest yet highlight the silver-linings and maintain a sense of hope.  While it is not strictly in chronological order and is written by two different authors over a long period of time, there is a sense of flow by chapters alternating between the mother and daughter's point of view.  Kathy (mom) sets a topic or theme followed by a chapter written by Kate (daughter) offering her perspective and recollection in response.  The book follows this format until the final chapter written by Andy (son/brother).

The Hennessy family is unique in that they had not only one, but two children diagnosed with CAS.  And the two children's experiences could not be more different.  I found the difference in perspectives interesting.  This is a book about the emotional side of CAS.  The emotional turmoil of raising children diagnosed with CAS.  About the impact of the diagnosis and ensuing therapies on a child.  And about how the journey may be different and arduous, but there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. 

This is one family's experience with CAS.  Just as every child is unique, I am sure this family's journey is as well.  I had high hopes and was a little disappointed.  I did find many points interesting, and overall have a deeper appreciation for the emotional side of the equation.  I can see how this book could be of benefit to parents currently going through the CAS journey with their own child. 

Disclosure: I purchased the book and received no compensation for this post.  The opinions are all mine.  This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.