5 things to know about Apraxia of Speech

Here are five key points to know about Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS):

1. Motor speech disorder: CAS is a neurological condition that affects a child's ability to plan and execute the precise movements necessary for speech production.

2. Speech coordination difficulties: Children with CAS struggle to coordinate the muscles involved in speech, resulting in inconsistent speech sound errors and difficulty with articulation.

3. Diagnosis challenges: CAS can be challenging to diagnose as it shares some characteristics with other speech disorders. A thorough evaluation by a speech-language pathologist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

4. Targeted therapy: Effective treatment for CAS involves speech therapy that focuses on improving motor planning and coordination skills. Intensive and individualized therapy sessions are often necessary.

5. Multidimensional impact: CAS can impact a child's communication, social interactions, and academic performance. Early intervention and ongoing support are vital for helping children with CAS reach their full potential in speech and language development.