Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), sometimes referred to as dyspraxia or verbal dyspraxia, is a speech disorder that affects how children plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. The difficulty is not due to muscle weakness but is as a result of the brain having difficulties sending the correct signals to the muscles of the mouth, lips, and tongue, making speech challenging and sometimes inconsistent.
Children with CAS know what they want to say, but the motor and planning skills needed to produce clear sounds and words can be difficult. CAS varies in severity from child to child and may affect different aspects of speech, such as pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. This condition can make it challenging for children to speak clearly, which may impact on their ability to express themselves and connect with others.
Early intervention is vital for children with CAS because it allows them to develop foundational motor planning skills at a young age, which is essential for building clear and confident communication. When children receive timely support, they can achieve greater speech clarity and have a better chance of keeping up with peers in social and academic settings.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek a speech and language assessment if they notice potential signs of CAS. Early diagnosis allows SLTs to create a tailored therapy plan that can significantly impact the child’s ability to communicate effectively.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech can be challenging, but with the right support, children with CAS can make substantial progress in their communication skills. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in helping these children develop the motor planning and coordination needed for clearer speech.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech reach their full potential. We use evidence-based methods tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring therapy is both effective and enjoyable.
Children and young people spend as much time in education as they do at home, so it is important to us that nursery/school staff and parents/carers all know how best to support the child. This means that we provide sessions both in clinic and in education settings, as appropriate in each individual case, supporting all those around the child.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and/or language development, we’re here to help. Please contact us to find out more or to arrange an assessment.
Useful Information:
CAS is a motor speech disorder where a child has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. Their muscles are not weak, the challenge lies in the brain’s ability to send accurate instructions to the speech muscles.
If your child is difficult to understand, an assessment by a Speech and Language Therapist is needed to confirm whether CAS is present. Key signs to look out for include:
These signs vary from child to child, and not all children will show every feature, this is why a specialist assessment is important. Find out more.
For many children, the cause is unknown. CAS can be related to neurological or genetic differences, or may occur alongside other developmental conditions but often no single cause is identified.
A Speech and Language Therapist assesses speech sounds, imitation, motor planning, prosody and how consistently your child produces sounds and words. Diagnosis is based on a pattern of features, not one single test.
Find out more about our Assessment Services & Costs.
Yes. Children with CAS can make significant progress with frequent, targeted, motor-based speech therapy. Therapy focuses on repeated practice to build more accurate and consistent speech movements.
Many children with CAS improve their clarity over time through regular Speech and Language Therapy and consistent home practice. Early intervention and repetition are key to progress.
Speech and Language Therapy is essential for supporting children with CAS. An assessment will help identify your child’s specific needs and the best way to support their speech development.
Progress varies for each child. CAS usually requires ongoing support, especially in the early years, but many children continue to improve steadily with consistent therapy and practice.
Your SLT may recommend:
