Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Various names-same disorder
Various names-same disorder
Various names-same disorder
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)– US
Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia(DVD) - UK
Previously Apraxia of Speech (AOS),
Dyspraxia of Speech,
Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS)
Why Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Consistency & insurance purposes
Not meant to imply theoretical perspective on the disorder
How common is it?
Various names-same disorder
Various names-same disorder
Prevalence: 0.1-0.2% of all children with speech sound disorder
The causes of childhood apraxia of speech are not well understood
MRI scans have not been successful in identifying brain damage/differences in children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Research suggests possible genetic bases for CAS but it is not fully understood
Male to female ratio is 2-3:1
Who’s to say what ‘normal’ is? I personally really dislike the word ‘normal.’ Everyone is ‘different’ in some way or another.
Mikey Akers
Acquired Apraxia of Speech (AOS)
How do I get it
How do I get it
How do I get it
You are not born with it.
Occurs suddenly usually after a stroke, head injury, or neurological illness
Typical speech development before the event
Symptoms
How do I get it
How do I get it
Slurred, slow, or broken speech
Frustration due to being "stuck" on words
Inconsistent speech errors
Struggle with longer or unfamiliar words
Support
How do I get it
Aphasia versus Apraxia of Speech
See our resources page Resources | Adults with apraxia of speech
Organisations that support the health event can have great information, such as the Stroke Association which has loads of helpful resources. Types of communication problems | Stroke Association
Aphasia versus Apraxia of Speech
What is acquired, not developmental
Aphasia versus Apraxia of Speech
Whats the differences between aphasia and apraxia? Aphaisa effects language comprehension and nvolves language processing areas of the brain.
Apraxia of speech is a motor planning disorder, not a language problem. The person knows what they want to say but struggles to coordinate speech movements.
But both can occur together after a stroke or other neurological event.
What is acquired, not developmental
What is acquired, not developmental
What is acquired, not developmental
Acquired Apraxia of Speech (AOS) is a disorder that people develop after childhood. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) or developmental verbal dyspraxia begins in early childhood (perhaps from birth) and is not usually due to a neurological event.
Therapy
What is acquired, not developmental
What is acquired, not developmental
Therapy focuses on improving speech clarity, coordination, and confidence.
Exercises may include sound repetition, syllable practice, and structured word-building.
Visual cues, gesture support, and written prompts can help speech planning.
Sessions are personalised to suit your goals, abilities, and communication style. See our therapy pages Adult Therapy approaches | Adults with apraxia of speech
Questions and answers
What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
What exactly is CAS, and can it still affect me as an adult? A: CAS is a neurological motor speech disorder where the brain struggles to plan the movements needed for speech. While many improve with therapy, some adults continue to experience residual speech challenges—like difficulty with articulation, rhythm, or confidence when speaking.
How Can Childhood Apraxia of Speech Show Up in Adulthood?
What are the signs? A;You might notice inconsistent speech errors, effortful or slowed speech, challenges with multi-syllabic words, or anxiety about speaking in social settings. These issues can fluctuate depending on fatigue, stress, or environment.
Can My Speech Still Improve?
Is therapy still effective as an adult? A: Absolutely. While progress may be slower than in childhood, speech therapy with a specialist who understands motor speech disorders can help refine and improve fluency, and build confidence. Approaches may include motor-based therapy, prosody training, and assistive tools. Either go via the NHS or use ASLTIP for a private speech and language therapist in your area Find a speech therapist - ASLTIP and look here for adult therapy approaches Adult Therapy approaches | Adults with apraxia of speech
How Do I Explain My Speech Differences to Others?
I get nervous about how people perceive my speech—what can I say? A: You can keep it simple and honest: “I have a speech motor disorder that makes some words come out differently, but I’m working on it.” People often appreciate the clarity, and it can reduce pressure during conversations.
What Strategies Can Help Me Day-to-Day?
Are there practical ways to manage speaking challenges in work or life? A: Yes. You might try pacing strategies (like pausing between phrases), rehearsing key phrases ahead of time, using supportive tech (e.g. text-to-speech apps), or practicing public speaking in safe environments. Confidence often grows with preparation and support. See Resources | Adults with apraxia of speech
Progessive Apraxia of speech
What is it?
Primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) is a rare form of apraxia in the absence of dementia that develops insidiously and slowly
Chris Kamara's Experience
Chris Kamara says he "suffered in silence" with speech problems for almost two years before he was diagnosed with a thyroid problem.
The former footballer, who has become one of the best-loved broadcasting pundits in the country, revealed he had speech apraxia earlier this year after television viewers noticed him slurring his words on air.
He later quit his job, but has continued to work in television and radio.
Speaking to ITV News ahead of a documentary about his condition, Kamara – known to millions by his nickname "Kammy" – said he wanted his experience to be a warning to other people.
He said: "Initially I was in denial. I'm a dinosaur. I suffered in silence for about 20 months and in that time my thyroid gland became virtually non-existent , so that could be the reason for all my problems along the line, by just not going to see a doctor.
"Now not only have I got an underactive thyroid, the apraxia of speech has come on, my balance is no good, I'm really weak."
The 64-year-old former Leeds United, Sheffield United and Bradford City player, from Middlesbrough, has been determined not to let his difficulties prevent him from working. He has continued to co-present ITV's Ninja Warrior as well as a BBC podcast. (ITVX, 2025)
Symptoms
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) is characterized by a gradual decline in motor speech planning and programming, leading to a range of speech impairments. Individuals with PPAOS often exhibit a slow speech rate and lengthened intersegment durations, with syllable segmentation occurring both within multisyllabic words and across phrases. Sound distortions, distorted substitutions, and additions become more prominent with increasing utterance complexity or length. Articulatory groping, false starts, and audible or visible effort are common, reflecting the struggle to initiate or sequence movements. Speech motor tasks such as Sequential Motion Rates (SMRs) are typically deliberate, slow, and segmented, with distorted productions compared to Alternating Motion Rates (AMRs), which also often show inaccuracy in place or manner. Additionally, sound prolongations, repetitions, and a reduced number of words per breath group, despite normal maximum vowel duration, may be observed. These features collectively indicate the deteriorating motor planning necessary for fluent, coordinated speech.
Sources: Josephs et al., 2012; Duffy, 2006