Nandi Madida Speaks Highly of Her Daughter As the World Marks Apraxia Awareness Day
Nandi Madida Speaks Highly of Her Daughter As the World Marks Apraxia Awareness Day. Nandi Madida has always been open about her kids being on the spectrum. Despite developing differently, Shaka and Nefertiti Madida continue to show that they are destined for greatness.
Her first born Shaka is an upcoming artist, who had his very first solo exhibition on his 9th birthday. He exhibited at Magugu House, with his parents in attendance. Nefertiti on the other hand was at the launch of the first ever autistic Barbie Doll. It was heartwarming seeing her attend an event that speaks to her.
The award winning musician, media personality and entrepreneur is among the many people observing Apraxia Awareness Day. As much as speech is the milestone than many parents are proud of, Nandi sees things differently. She always sings her daughter’s praises, assuring her that she is amazing.
“Today is Apraxia Awareness Day 💙
I always tell my sweet daughter Nefi, Nefertiti, that she is a force and that one day she will advocate for many autistic people. She will help bring clarity, compassion, and understanding to a community that is so often misunderstood. I am so proud of my girl ✨,” Nandi said.
Nandi also went on to teach her online family about the relationship between apraxia and autism. She highlighted that the condition has nothing to do with intelligence, but just a motor challenge.
“Many autistic individuals are also apraxic, meaning there can sometimes be a disconnect between the brain and the body, making it difficult to control movements or speak verbally.
This is not an intelligence issue.
This is not a hearing issue.
This is not a lack of understanding.
For many, speech is a motor challenge. The thoughts may be there. The understanding may be there. The words may exist clearly in the mind, but the body may not always cooperate.
That is why we must always presume competence.
Communication does not only happen through spoken words. A keyboard, spelling to communicate, AAC, gestures, typing, pointing, writing, or other forms of expression are all valid and powerful ways to communicate.
An autistic child’s body may sometimes betray them, but that does not mean their mind is empty.
Every child deserves patience.
Every child deserves dignity.
Every child deserves access.
Every child deserves to be understood.
This Apraxia Awareness Day, may we listen differently, support more intentionally, and remember that every voice matters, whether spoken or not.
Some voices are heard with words.
Some are heard through presence, persistence, and the courage to keep trying.
But all voices matter 💙,” she added.
