Nandi Madida Raises Awareness On Apraxia Day

Media personality Nandi Madida recently used her platform to celebrate Apraxia Awareness Day while also spreading awareness about autism and communication challenges.

Nandi shared a picture of her daughter, Nefertiti, also known as Nefi, and posted a heartfelt message about supporting autistic individuals who are also apraxic. Apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to perform learned movements and can make speaking difficult, even when understanding and intelligence are fully present.

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In her touching message, Nandi praised her daughter and wrote, “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.”

The media personality also explained that many autistic individuals are apraxic, meaning there can sometimes be a disconnect between the brain and the body. She highlighted that this can affect speech and movement, but it should never be mistaken for a lack of intelligence or understanding.

“This is not an intelligence issue.
This is not a hearing issue.
This is not a lack of understanding.”

Nandi also stressed the importance of assuming competence and recognising that communication can happen in many different ways beyond spoken words.

“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.”

She continued by reminding people that autistic children deserve patience, dignity, access, and understanding.

“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.”

Ending her message on a powerful note, Nandi encouraged people to become more intentional in how they support others.

“This Apraxia Awareness Day, may we listen differently, support more intentionally, and remember that every voice matters, whether spoken or not.”