Giving a voice to individuals with apraxia of speech
Understanding childhood apraxia of speech
What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to plan and programme the movements needed for clear speech. A child with CAS may know what they want to say, but their brain has difficulty organising the precise speech movements needed to produce sounds and words clearly..
What might CAS sound like?
The signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech can vary from child to child. A child with CAS may say the same word differently at different times, find longer words harder, leave sounds or syllables out, struggle to move smoothly between sounds, or use unusual speech rhythm or stress. No single sign confirms CAS, so a full speech assessment is important.
How is CAS diagnosed?
There is no single test for Childhood Apraxia of Speech. A Speech and Language Therapist will usually carry out a CAS assessment by looking at how a child produces sounds, words and longer speech sequences, as well as speech rhythm and how they respond to different prompts. Some children may need to be assessed over time before a clear CAS diagnosis can be made.
Is it the same as a speech delay?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech is different from a simple speech delay or being a late talker. In CAS, the main difficulty is with speech motor planning and programming, rather than speech developing more slowly, and it is not caused by weak speech muscles.
Could it be something else?
Yes, some other speech and communication difficulties can look similar to Childhood Apraxia of Speech. These can include phonological speech disorders, dysarthria, language difficulties and hearing difficulties, so a good CAS assessment looks at the whole child and aims to understand why speech is difficult.
What does therapy involve?
Speech therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech usually focuses on practising the movements and movement sequences needed for speech. CAS therapy may include repetition, visual or listening cues, and carefully selected sounds, words and phrases. Some children with CAS may also use signs, pictures or AAC alongside speech therapy.
What can I do at home?
What support might my child need at school?
Parents can support a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech by giving them time to speak, focusing on what they are trying to say, avoiding too much pressure to repeat difficult words, following short CAS practice activities suggested by their SLT, and using signs, pictures or AAC where helpful.
What support might my child need at school?
What support might my child need at school?
Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech may need support with classroom communication as well as speech. Helpful school support for CAS may include extra time to answer, less pressure to speak in front of others, alternative ways to respond, and good communication between school and the child’s Speech and Language Therapist. Some children may also need additional SEND support or an EHCP.
Where should I go next?
Where should I go next?
f your child has Childhood Apraxia of Speech, or you are concerned they may have CAS, you do not need to understand everything straight away. You can start with the area most useful to you now, including CAS assessment and diagnosis, speech therapy for CAS, school support, or more detailed Childhood Apraxia of Speech information.
Assessment and diagnosis:
Diagnosis of CAS
Therapy and resources:
Resource Hub
School support:
Education Hub
More detailed professional information:
ASHA – Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Speech Apraxia International provides information, resources and support for families affected by Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
I had never heard of childhood apraxia of speech before the speech and language therapist mentioned it
parent from our support group