Childhood apraxia of speech is a disorder that affects a child’s ability to produce syllables, words, and phrases. However, the issue is not due to muscular weakness, but rather a breakdown in the planning required to produce speech. The brain must coordinate movements of certain muscles for speech. It must communicate with the lips, jaw, and tongue to achieve the correct placement for certain sounds. Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say, but not being able move your muscles in a way that conveys your message. Understandably, children with CAS can experience frustration when trying to communicate.
Signs of CAS
It is important to understand that not all children with CAS present in the same ways. However, the following list from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association includes some signs to look for if you are wondering whether to seek help from an SLP:
- Does not say words the same way every time
- Puts stress/emphasis on the wrong syllable
- Distorts sounds
- Produces shorter words more clearly than longer words
- Has difficulty with fine motor skills
A speech-language pathologist can test children for the presence of CAS and provide treatment for the disorder. While children do not outgrow CAS, their speech can improve with the help of an SLP. Children with CAS learn speech sounds in a different order than a typical child does, which is why it is important to collaborate with the SLP in understanding your child’s treatment and goals.
Strategies for parents
- Have patience: Remember how frustrating we said it would be if you knew exactly what you wanted to say, but could not produce the sounds to convey your message? Keep in mind that if you are frustrated trying to understand your child, they are probably just as frustrated that you don’t understand them. Validate that what your child is trying to say is important and work with your child to understand their message. It may take longer than you would like, but this will encourage your child to continue to communicate with you rather than give up because it is difficult.
- Read repetitive books: Books that repeat certain lines or phrases can be beneficial for children with CAS. Since repetitive books are predictable, it is easier for the child to understand the content and focus more energy on producing these repetitive phrases. These books encourage participation from the child, as they catch on quickly and can practice a familiar phrase multiple times throughout the book.
- Collaborate with your SLP: With the help of an SLP, your child can improve their speech, but it will take hard work! They will need a strong support system, and the most important part of that system is you as a parent. By communicating with your child’s SLP, you will ensure that you are on the same page and targeting the same goals at home and in the treatment room. By sharing with the SLP what happens at home, you will provide them with the most information to set your child up for success.