Ronda Rousey has talked in the past about a speech impediment she struggled with as a youth. But to one mother, the description of Rousey's experience was distinct -- and rare.
Laura Smith soon theorized that Rousey dealt with the same condition as her daughter -- apraxia of speech, which is characterized by the brain's inability to control the motor functions of certain parts of the body -- in this case, the muscle groups that affect speech.
Smith eventually learned about an opportunity to meet Rousey. She went to Rousey's book signing in Denver. When her turn came to get Rousey to sign a copy, Smith asked the UFC champ: Did you have apraxia?
As Smith details to TheMighty, Rousey looked stunned -- but then admitted that, yes, doctors had told her that was the likely condition.
Smith and Rousey talked excitedly about the condition, its lack of awareness, and the particular struggle of the condition. Smith left a brochure with Rousey that explained apraxia and how to look for the signs.
When the mother returned home later that night, she found this posted to Facebook:
Does your kid having trouble speaking? Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of Apraxia and what can be done to help your child find their voice at apraxia-kids.org
Posted by Ronda Rousey on Friday, May 29, 2015
Thanks to Rousey, apraxia of speech is getting more attention, and parents are hopefully more equipped to spot its symptoms. And in return, Rousey gained two devoted fans -- and added a new wrinkle to her remarkable life story.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey steals the spotlight when she puts the clamps on Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey connects with fans in Brazil.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey speaks on a sports panel at SXSW in Austin.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Mario Lopez welcomes Rousey to the set of 'Extra' at Universal Studios
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey waves to fans at Univesal CityWalk.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey appears at a promotional event with Reebok and UFC.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Hip hop artist Swizz Beatz poses with Rousey.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey draws a crowd in Hollywood.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey attends a special screening of "The Expendables 3" in Macao.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger flank Rousey at The Venetian Macao.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey attends the Los Angeles premiere of "The Expendables 3" at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
"The Expendables 3" is Rousey's first acting credit.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey shares a laugh with Joe Rogan after weighing in before UFC 175.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey joins the cast of "The Expendables 3" at the Cannes Film Festival.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey attends the Cannes premiere of "The Expendables 3" with Antonio Banderas, Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Wesley Snipes.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey works a scene on location in Beverly Hills with Jerry Ferrara for the "Entoutage" movie.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey takes time to pose with a fan at LAX airport.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey poses during a UFC portrait session in December 2013.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey has an exchange with Jimmy Kimmel.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey is featured in the 2012 edition of ESPN The Magazine's annual body issue.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey wins a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She is the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in judo.
