What is apraxia?

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a communication disorder in which children have difficulty saying sounds, syllables, and words. This difficulty is due to difficulties of planning and coordinating movement between the brain and the lips, tongue, and jaw. It is not caused by muscle weakness or paralysis.

Common symptoms of CAS include “groping” or “grasping” of the tongue and mouth when trying to produce sounds or words, limited consonant and vowel sounds; longer words/phrases/sentences are more difficult to understand than short ones; inconsistent errors; difficulty imitating speech but is easier to understand in spontaneous speech; puts stress on the wrong syllable or word; child can understand much more than they can produce

What happens in apraxia therapy?

A child's success in apraxia therapy is significantly impacted by their family's understanding of the disorder and their direct support of their child. Families and caregivers should be engaged in the therapy process.

The goal of treatment is to help a child say sounds, words, and sentences more clearly. They will learn how to plan and accurately make the movements needed for specific sounds. A child will practice speaking and use touch, visual, and listening cues taught by the clinician to help with clearer sound production.

Learn More/Resources https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhood-apraxia-of-speech/

https://www.apraxia-kids.org/

https://www.childapraxiatreatment.org/

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/apraxia-speech