Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a rare neurological motor speech disorder that affects a child's ability to plan and coordinate the precise movements needed for clear speech. Children with CAS know what they want to say, but their brain has difficulty sending the correct signals to the muscles involved in speaking.
What is CAS?
Some Common Examples of Childhood Apraxia of Speech:
Key signs your child may exhibit include inconsistent errors when repeating sounds or words, such as:
Difficulty imitating speech
Groping or visible struggle when trying to form words
Increased difficulty with longer or more complex words
Slow speech development despite good understanding of language
CAS is not something children outgrow. Because it affects the motor planning of speech, targeted therapy is essential. Left untreated, CAS can significantly impact a child’s ability to communicate effectively, which may also influence academic performance and social development.
Why It Matters?
Our experienced pediatric speech therapists use evidence-based methods to support children with CAS, focusing on building motor planning skills through repetition, multi-sensory feedback, and individualized strategies. Therapy is tailored to each child’s needs to help them gain confidence and improve their speech clarity over time.