Giving a voice to individuals with apraxia of speech
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
(Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia)
Acquired apraxia of speech
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech
About Speech Apraxia UK
Welcome to Speech Apraxia UK
We are a growing, internationally recognised leading non-commercial community organisation. We support those with apraxia of speech, whether childhood, acquired, or primary progressive.
Services we offer-
Advice from a team of specialists
Resource Hub
Comprehensive information on therapies and diagnoses
Showcase research and recruit participants/collaborators
Parent/Carer network
Events/training
Newsletter
Therapy App reviews
Extensive resource gallery.
Speech Apraxia UK — Reaching 85+ countries acrosss our website and social media network to raise awareness worldwide.
Our aim is to empower, inform, and support people with apraxia of speech. Thank you for joining our Speech Apraxia UK community
Ruth Rowntree MSc, BSc (Hons), DipHE, HCPC Reg, MRCSLT —Founder of Speech Apraxia UK
Sign our UK Petition
Petition-Create a National Strategy for CAS-Please sign
We want the Government to create and fund a National Strategy for CAS, which should include:
- Increase education of CAS.
- Set up and fund a working group of experts and families to advise Government.
- Create a strategy across health and education sectors, similar to autism and dyslexia.
Become a member of Speech Apraxia UK
It is FREE
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Join our parent/carer support network
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Get advice and assistance.
Your membership enables us to
- Better understand our membership so we can offer appropriate support, activities, and events;
- Know how many of you have speech apraxia and/or are relatives or professionals
- It helps us to design the website and our social media coverage based on your needs, interests and geographical location
Use this link
https://forms.office.com/r/6t0msV1w9z
.
Get Involved
Need advice or have a question?
Training/lived experience talk (FREE *)
Training/lived experience talk (FREE *)
Our amazing team of SLTs/SLPs the ‘Friends of Speech Apraxia’ are here to help. They’ve generously offered their time and expertise to answer your questions. Use this form to reach out for information, support, and friendly advice https://forms.office.com/r/1T5mpuw5JS
Training/lived experience talk (FREE *)
Training/lived experience talk (FREE *)
Training/lived experience talk (FREE *)
We can offer training or personal experience talks. These are FREE if online to a non-funded group. Otherwise there is a small charge to cover our running costs.https://forms.office.com/r/aJS92UAjFq
Get more involved
Training/lived experience talk (FREE *)
Share research/recruit participants /product reviews
https://forms.office.com/r/BSgPakqSBC
We would love to have your more involved in our training/awareness and advocacy work.
Share research/recruit participants /product reviews
Share research/recruit participants /product reviews
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Help to support our running costs.
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Affiliate your organisation with Speech Apraxia UK
Currently Speech Apraxia UK is mainly unfunded. Most of our services are FREE. We provide extensive support, information, and awareness around Speech Apraxia. If you would like to contribute, it would really help. Please use the secure 'Stripe' donation link.
Affiliate your organisation with Speech Apraxia UK
Share research/recruit participants /product reviews
Affiliate your organisation with Speech Apraxia UK
Be recognized on our website and in our publications and affiliate with us.
Have opportunities to collaborate on awareness initiatives and events.
Receive invitations to contribute to Q&A sessions, training, and resource development.
Join a growing network of professionals, researchers, and advocates committed to making a difference
Training, podcast and events
Podcast-Talking Speech Apraxia
Support for SLT/SLPs working with speech apraxia
Podcast-Talking Speech Apraxia
Listen to our NEW official podcast Talking Speech Apraxia, a heartfelt, insipiring show featuring a range of experts in speech apraxia, (Pictured is Alonna Bondar form Bondar Speech who did a fantastic podcast anwering your questions on treating speech apraxia)
Training
Support for SLT/SLPs working with speech apraxia
Podcast-Talking Speech Apraxia
Speech Apraxia UK and its founder, Ruth Rowntree have provided lived experience talks and training to SLTs, groups, and organisations on a wide range of topics. Training to non-funded organisations is FREE*. Book using the QR code or email info@speechapraxia.co.uk
We welcome requests for joint training and conference contributions. We hold regular online meetings. Sign up to our FREE membership to have these sent to your inbox
Next training 4th November 2025 1900 UK time- What is Speech Apraxia
Join with link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86476334420?pwd=3Y2cQB7rIUDWc1o6bKIcEpEIvNaS8w.1
Testimonials
SLT University student: 'i did not realise the lifelong impact of childhood apraxia of speech.
SLT professional: 'it was inspiring and informative.'
Support for SLT/SLPs working with speech apraxia
Support for SLT/SLPs working with speech apraxia
Support for SLT/SLPs working with speech apraxia
Extensive resources
Professional Networks
Training providers
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech Quiz
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech Quiz
Support for SLT/SLPs working with speech apraxia
https://forms.office.com/r/9SGYnivJav
Have a go and develop your knowledge
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Quiz
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech Quiz
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Quiz
https://forms.office.com/r/cej9fNkMht
Quick check to see what you know
Acquired Apraxia of Speech Quiz
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech Quiz
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Quiz
https://forms.office.com/r/UE6yQ64ZR1
Review your understanding
What resources are available for you
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech (PPOS)
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Alternative name-Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia. It is a label used for a specific type of speech sound disorder in which the planning and/or programming of the movements to produce speech is inefficient.
Acquired Apraxia of Speech (AOS)
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech (PPOS)
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Speech disorder, which is acquired after a stroke (or other neurological disorder) , It affects the ability to plan and coordinate the movements necessary for speech.
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech (PPOS)
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech (PPOS)
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech (PPOS)
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech is a neurological disorder that affects the ability to plan and coordinate the movements necessary for speech sounds, leading to significant communication difficulties over time
Nursery and school support
Studying, Financial Support, Law
Primary Progressive Apraxia Of Speech (PPOS)
SEND / EHCP guidelines + support
Bullying
Making school accessible
Reasonable Adjustments
Employment/Employers
Studying, Financial Support, Law
Studying, Financial Support, Law
Going to work or employing someone with speech apraxia, find information and support.
Studying, Financial Support, Law
Studying, Financial Support, Law
Studying, Financial Support, Law
Whether it is the law over discrimination, financial help, or support while studying, we have you covered.
Extensive support and resources
Information on related Conditions
Extensive support and resources
We have loads of support available
Resource Hub – Information & Support
Regular online meetings
Meet Others with Apraxia of Speech – Personal Stories & Support
Directory of helpful organsiations
Want to get more involved
Information on related Conditions
Extensive support and resources
Why not become a member of Speech Apraxia UK (FREE)
Book us to deliver (FREE*) training
Send us some research or an article
Take our online quizzes
Advertise with us
Have us impartially review your product for FREE
Information on related Conditions
Information on related Conditions
Information on related Conditions
Our website has extensive information and resources, from recommended books to the latest research. We have a whole section on related conditions.
Meet us
Ruth, Founder of 'Speech Apraxia UK'
I was born with childhood apraxia of speech, also known as developmental verbal dyspraxia. Around the age of two, my parents became increasingly concerned about my lack of speech and took me to see a speech and language therapist. At that time, they had never really heard of a child being unable to speak. I remained in speech therapy for five years, working with the same therapist three times a week. This was the beginning of my journey with speech and language therapy, and I have had several periods of therapy since.
Speech apraxia, however, is a lifelong neurological inefficiency, and I consider myself lucky to be able to access such good therapy early on. Throughout my journey, I found there to be very low awareness of speech apraxia, even among professionals. I felt there was a real need for an organisation that could become a centre of expertise in speech apraxia, not only developmental but also acquired and primary progressive. I wanted to create a place where people like me, as well as professionals, parents, and carers, could find knowledge and support.
I went on to train as a speech and language therapist, and the course gave me the knowledge and grounding I needed to establish Speech Apraxia UK. I am proud of what we have become today. Our website, speechapraxia.co.uk, and social media receive around 70000 visits a month. We now have a team of specialists in the field to respond to enquiries , and, most importantly, we are supporting an increasing number of individuals affected by speech apraxia.
Friends of Speech Apraxia
We have a fantastic group of volunteers who all share a passion for speech apraxia. They are what make our organisation a success. Our community includes specialist clinicians, researchers, parents, and people with speech apraxia from as far afield as Australia, Italy, the USA, the UK, and the Netherlands.
Hazel Shaw,(Specialist Independent Speech and Language Therapist)- Friends of Speech Childhood Apraxia of Speech Expert-UK
Ruth invited me to become a Friend of Speech Apraxia UK and I am always eager to support any initiative that raises awareness and understanding of CAS, as well as improves access to essential specialist services. CAS is a highly specialised area and many Speech and Language Therapists have limited experience in working with it. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with others to help ensure the best possible outcomes for the children we support.
Chelsea Hulse- Friends of Speech Apraxia Parent Champion-UK
Hi everyone! I’m Chelsea, a nurse & mother to two boys, Logan & Lucas. Lucas has a diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech & Developmental Co-ordination Disorder. Our journey has helped to lay the foundations for my growing interest in CAS & communication as a whole I am so excited to become a Parent Champion with Speech Apraxia UK, & see what this community can achieve! My hope is that no one with CAS feels alone or disadvantaged by their diagnosis.
Jon Hunt (Friends of Speech Apraxia-Speech and Language Therapist, Acquired Apraxia of Speech specialist)
Jon is a UK-based speech and language therapist specialising in acquired aphasia and apraxia of speech. He worked in the National Health Service for 20 years before beginning work on Cuespeak, an app for iPad that allows people with aphasia and apraxia of speech to carry out intensive, personalised therapy independently. Jon's special interests are the role of context in word production difficulties and the benefits of personalised therapy.
Kendra Frank- Friends of Speech Apraxia Parent Champion
Kendra has created the non-profit 'Elliot's Voice and joins Speech Apraxia UK bringing her passion for communication for all (you can read more about her and her son Elliot's story on our 'meet other's' section).
Lottie Berry- Friends of Speech Apraxia Parent Champion
Lottie Berry is the Founder of Tap Type Talk, an autism, apraxia, and AAC advocacy and advisory platform.As a Mum to an autistic non-speaking son who has Suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Lottie is passionate about supporting parents who are following a similar journey. She believes that every non-speaking child deserves a voice of their own through AAC, specialist speech support, and literacy instruction.
Liz Bedson (with Arthur Harding)-Friends of Speech Apraxia -Acquired Speech Apraxia Advocate
Liz Bedsonn and Arthur Harding run the Stroke Survivors Speech & Language Support Group. Liz says "I started in 2016 when my dad survived a stroke. His speech, language and communication was affected along with his emotions. There was no support that benefitted him as he wasn’t included or talked over and ignored. Not what I expected at all. I am an ordinary person with no medical or professional qualifications but who just wanted to support my dad and others like him to access and live in his community in a positive way. So the journey started!
Roll forward to today, we are now a charity, now respected by the stroke association with the support we provide for our groups which are all thriving. We have 5 face to face groups in Cheshire East and a virtual online group. We plan to open a new group every year as what we provide empowers survivors to recover, reclaim and rebuild their lives. We work alongside the NHS Community S & L therapists who at the beginning disliked me. Everything is based around aphasia but my eyes have now been opened by apraxia and tbh I’d never heard of it! Ruth approached me and well the rest is what you already know by this lovely lady. We are now collaborating and Ruth will come and provide training to our volunteers on how to support our Survivors with apraxia. Many of our survivors have apraxia as well as aphasia. I will be taking it up with our S & L therapists too. I will also be spreading the word to everyone I am currently in contact with including the stroke association. The lack of awareness is shocking so we need to push awareness".
Alonna Bondar(Specialist Independent Speech and Language Pathologist)- Friends of Speech Childhood Apraxia of Speech Expert
Alonna has recorded a podcast with us and is a great asset to Speech Apraxia UK from the USA. Alonna is PROMPT certified and DTTC trained, and listed on the Apraxia Kids directory. She is a pediatric speech language pathologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in apraxia and other speech sound disorders.
Lucy Smith (Friend of Speech Apraxia)
I am Lucy and I am currently a 4th year Master of Speech and Language Sciences Student at Newcastle University. I chose to become a Friend of Speech Apraxia UK because I have a strong interest in both childhood and acquired apraxia of speech. These are conditions that are often misunderstood or overlooked. I'm eager to learn more, hear lived experiences from individuals and families, speech and language therapists and researchers. I'm also interested in the latest research and therapy approaches to help improve understanding and support for those who live with apraxia.
Olga Kamadina-(Speech Pathologist)- Friends of Speech Childhood Apraxia of Speech Expert
I’m Olga Komadina, a Speech Pathologist in Australia with over 20 years of experience, specialising in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), as well as autism. I run Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy and provide intensive therapy, supervision, and mentoring for speech pathologists worldwide. I became a Friend of Speech Apraxia to support greater awareness and collaboration internationally, and to advocate for children with CAS and their families so they can access the therapy and recognition they deserve.
Lorraine Bamblett -(Specialist Independent Speech and Language Therapist)- Friends of Speech Childhood Apraxia of Speech Expert
Lorraine is a lecturer in speech and language therapy at Keele University. She specialises in phonetics and speech sound disorders. She has had a special interest in CAS since working with children with developmental language disorder and severe speech sound disorder including CAS in a speech and language centre for 15 years. She is passionate about evidence based practice and supporting SLTs to give children with CAS the best possible outcomes.
News
Some of the Organisations we have worked with
We cannot spread awareness alone.We work with many people with speech apraxia, organizations, professionals, and parents, including:
Charities/SLCN organisations
Selective Mutism Information & Research Association (SMIRA)
Elliot's Voice
From Stuttering to confidence
Universities
Newcastle University Students' Union
Companies
SLPFlow AI - Best AI for SLPs | SLP
Researchers
Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Sick Childrens Hospital-research group
No longer who I used to be says Kris Kamara
Chris Kamara admits, 'I'm no longer the person I used to be' and reveals deep regret. Sky Sports star Chris Kamara's life was turned upside down in 2022 when he was diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS), which also affected his balance and coordination.
Chris, 67, flew to Mexico for treatment in a bid to reverse or slow down some of the effects of the neurological disorder, which include difficulty when speaking. However, despite initial success, the machine that transmitted radio frequency and magnetic fields into the body similar to an MRI became less effective, resulting in Chris stopping treatment(Mirror, 2025).
Esteemed International Expert to Contribute Guest Piece on Apraxia of Speech
We are absolutely delighted to share that Professor Emeritus Anita van der Merwe globally respected leader in the field of motor speech disorders — has shared warm praise for our new website.
In her message, Professor van der Merwe wrote:
“Congratulations on your website for apraxia of speech for people in the UK and elsewhere; it is a great website!”
We are even more thrilled to announce that Professor van der Merwe will be writing a special guest piece for the site, focusing on apraxia of speech and approaches to speech motor treatment.
We’re truly excited and honoured to welcome her voice to the website.
Join the speech apraxia discussion on Facebook
Join our Facebook community to discuss all things Apraxia of Speech - Facebook
Elliot's Voice
Motorists with communication needs offered free seatbelt covers
From a kitchen table laminator to schools, parks & even fire stations — Kendra Frank turned her son Elliott’s CAS journey into Elliott’s Voice. Her organization, which she founded in 2023, aims to provide accessible visual supports to children and adults who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities,
Motorists with communication needs offered free seatbelt covers
Motorists with communication needs offered free seatbelt covers
Motorists with communication needs offered free seatbelt covers
The useful packs have been distributed to each Police Enquiry Office (PEO) across Devon and Cornwall so anyone who feels they may benefit from one can collect one
Put it in the diary!
May 14th is Apraxia Awareness day,
October 6-12 is Dsypraxia Awareness week see www.dyspraxiamagazine.com for more info.
Apraxia Kids July 9-11 2026 National Conference Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Unique - Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group
Did you know joining Unique is completely FREE?
If you have a rare chromosome or gene disorder you can join our membership to access our support, expertise and get connected with other families affected by the same condition. We'd love to have you join our supportive community.
https://rarechromo.org/join-us/
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While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on this website (www.speechapraxia.co.uk), the content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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