They love to run and play, and soak up the world around them.
But where they differ is in the way they communicate.
The twins have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) - a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to speak.
It affects the brain pathways responsible for planning the movements of the lips, tongue, jaw and other parts needed for speech.
CAS is considered one of the most severe childhood speech and communication disorders and the only proven treatment is ongoing, specialised speech therapy, which can be costly and often continues for many years.
And for the Culhane family from Coleambally, access to treatment can be challenging.
Mum Karla said they travel long distances each week to ensure the boys receive the specialist support they need.
“We have to go twice a week to the other side of Albury, 2.5 hours away, for the boys to go to a speech therapist,” she said.
“It’s like going to the gym to keep up fitness; without it they won’t be able to speak.”
Children with CAS typically understand language well, but struggle to coordinate the complex movements required to produce clear speech.
Karla said that’s why education of the condition is so important.
“They can understand everything you’re saying, it’s just expressing back to you where they struggle.
“They try other things, like interpretive hand sign or characters.
“They’re normal boys in every other aspect; they love going to the skate park on their scooters, for example.”
Karla is sharing her family’s story to help others better understand the condition, and in honour of Apraxia Awareness Month in May.
If you see the Culhanes out in the community, feel free to say hello.
You can also learn more about CAS at www.apraxia-kids.org. Donations to help fund support and awareness programs are also welcome via the website.
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