At the age of 8, Pierre-Antoine buzzes with energy and a love of sports – everything from cycling and trampoline to skiing and karate! He moves, he enjoys, he invents. And when he’s not being physically active, he creates: be it painting, sculpture or sketching, everything becomes an art project in his hands. Behind the energetic facade of this dynamo, however, lies an invisible hurdle dealt with since the age of three: verbal dyspraxia.

This neurological condition affects Pierre-Antoine’s ability to express words verbally. For far too long, it was hard to make himself understood. He had to stop and ponder every syllable, every sound, while all around him other children spoke easily and spontaneously. This affected his self-confidence, his academic performance, and, on some occasions, his young heart.

Pierre-Antoine is in Grade 2 now, in a special ed class. He never gives up. He has worked with a series of speech therapists, who guide him with tender patience. Though he must still work hard each day to pronounce words and continue learning, at least he feels that he can now make himself understood. That in itself is a major victory!

He says proudly, “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” He finds his voice in action, in artistic or physical expression. He doesn’t judge others or make fun of people; he knows what it’s like to feel different. His dream is to get into competitive trampolining and to try parachute jumping. Clearly, nothing stops this young man!

Pierre-Antoine is a wonderful example of a personality that shines through even when words are lacking. He is respectful, generous, funny and focussed on whatever he is doing. An endearing boy, unforgettable and admired for his determination.