Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare disorder characterized by difficulty making the appropriate physical movements during speech. When a child has this condition, the brain struggles to think ahead and coordinate the physical motions to create sound patterns. With help from early diagnosis, speech therapy can treat and combat symptoms of the condition. 

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Symptoms

CAS symptoms include weakened or paralyzed speech muscles, including those of the tongue, jaw, or lips. This condition leads to a variety of communication and speech issues, ranging from the delayed onset of early words to difficulties with vowel and consonant pronunciation down the road. Children may stress words incorrectly, and, in some cases, stress every sound in the word. They may also make groping motions with the mouth, jaw, lips, or tongue in an attempt to make speech sounds.

Remember that childhood apraxia of speech primarily involves issues with physical movements. Since CAS symptoms often overlap with those of many other speech and language disorders, parents or guardians should always consult a certified speech therapist for a thorough diagnosis.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

After conducting hearing tests, an oral-motor assessment, and a speech evaluation, a therapist will help a child make the proper movements to facilitate speech. Since children with this condition struggle to plan movements to create speech patterns, the therapy focuses on teaching the appropriate sound and feel of each motion. Therapists utilize a variety of speech drills that will help the child practice movements and imitate sounds.

Practice must also extend outside of the office to ensure sustainable results. With regular exercise, children can learn to communicate more clearly and effectively for a lifetime.

To learn more about treatments for those with childhood apraxia of speech, consult the experienced team from Church Point, Louisiana’s premier speech therapy practice. The therapists from The Road Home Therapy Center provide effective treatments for children in a warm, supportive environment. To learn more about speech therapy services, visit the facility online or call today at (337) 684-6318.