Help for
Apraxia of Speech
What is childhood apraxia of speech?
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to speak. They have difficulty learning and carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech.
What is the difference between CAS and a speech delay?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a true developmental delay of speech is when a child is following a “typical” path of speech development, although at a rate slower than normal. A child with apraxia of speech is on a “different” path and has difficulty planning the movement sequences required for speech. Children with CAS may have a lengthy and challenging journey to speaking compared to those that speak effortlessly.
CAS Symptoms
Children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) may have a variety of speech symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on a child’s age and the severity of the speech problems. Signs or possible “red flags” to look for according to Apraxia Kids:
Age 1-2 years:
A “quiet baby”, reduced vocal sounds and babbling
Does not have first words or say them late
Does not add new words every month
Is not beginning to use two words together in short phrases
Have limited sounds
Is frustrated by inability to communicate
Age 2-3 years:
Does not have many sounds or words
Has a hard time imitating simple words.
Is not using 2-3 word phrases
Speech is not understood by familiar adults
Uses elaborate gesturing instead of speech
Age 3-4 years:
Using a limited number of consonants and vowels and sound distortions.
Often leaves out sounds when speaking.
Makes different errors when trying to say the same word repeatedly
Trouble moving smoothly from one sound, syllable or word to another.
Groping movements with the jaw, lips or tongue to try to make the correct movement for speech sounds.
Using speech that is hard to understand even for family and friends.
Is not using sentences to communicate
How is CAS Diagnosed and Treated?
As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with experience evaluating and treating children with apraxia of speech, your child’s communication skills will be observed, documented and formally assessed with your critical input.
The treatment for CAS differs from other types of speech therapy. It is a dynamic approach, child-specific, and focused on the actual sequenced movements of articulators because it is a motor planning disorder.
The speech therapy will target functional words and language for your child to effectively and independently communicate while teaching production of sound patterns, clear and more accurate words, phrases, and sentences. This results in spontaneous communication that is understood by listeners. With consistent, comprehensive, and individualized therapy, your child can make great progress to share ideas, thoughts and excel.
Other Challenges associated with CAS
Symptoms or problems that are often present along with CAS include:
- Delayed language. This may include trouble understanding speech, reduced vocabulary, or not using correct grammar when putting words together in a phrase or sentence.
- Delays in intellectual and motor development and problems with reading, spelling and writing.
- Trouble with gross and fine motor movement skills or coordination.
- Trouble using communication in social interactions.
If you have any concerns that your child has CAS, call now. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for your child’s voice to be heard.