Childhood apraxia of speech
Apraxia of speech
Support for children who find it hard to plan the movements for speech.
What it is
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a speech disorder where a child knows what they want to say but finds it hard to plan and coordinate the movements of the lips, jaw and tongue to say it.
It is different from muscle weakness. Children with CAS often say a word clearly once and then find it hard to say it again, and longer words are usually harder than short ones.
CAS usually responds best to frequent, motor-based therapy with lots of practice. An accurate assessment is important, because the right type of therapy is different from other speech sound difficulties.
Signs to look for
Inconsistent errors
The same word comes out differently each time your child tries.
Groping movements
Your child's mouth seems to search for the right position before speaking.
Longer words are harder
Short words may be clear, but longer words break down.
Unusual rhythm
Speech may sound choppy, or stress falls on the wrong part of words.
How we can help
Detailed assessment
We look closely at speech patterns to identify whether CAS is present.
Motor-based therapy
We use evidence-based approaches with lots of structured practice.
Frequent sessions
We plan intensity with you, as more frequent sessions usually help.
Other ways to communicate
Where helpful, we add signs or AAC so your child can communicate now.
Common questions from parents
At what age can CAS be diagnosed?
Signs can be seen in toddlers, but a confident diagnosis is often made around three years or older, when there is enough speech to assess.
How is CAS different from a speech delay?
A speech delay follows typical patterns, just later. CAS involves difficulty planning speech movements, with inconsistent errors and a different therapy approach.
Can therapy be done by telehealth?
Some parts of CAS therapy can be done by telehealth, and many families mix in-clinic and video sessions.
Not sure whether this is the right service? Contact us and we will talk it through, or read our frequently asked questions and fees and funding.