Definition
Children Apraxia of Speech is the most common form of childhood apraxia. There are two underlying conditions: 1. a movement based deficit and 2. a neurological impairment. There is no agreed upon diagnostic feature to differentiate it forms other speech disorders.
CAS presents most commonly in three ways:
- Consonant and vowels inconsistently set aside when producing words.
- Lengthened or disrupted transitions between syllables
- Muddled speech
When children receive support, they are guided to help increase the degree the listener understands the speech and the degree the listener understand the children’s speech with the context.
Often a scaffold is to use of an assistance communication device – whether cards or an I-pad. With speech disorders, consistent practice is required. Parents will often provide teachers with specific ways to help encourage the child’s speech.
It is common to see Apraxia of Speech with other neurodiversities.
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- Galactosemia
- Certain mitochondrial disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Other intellectual disability
Websites, Blogs, and Journal Articles
Apraxia Kids Supports – this massive site provides excellent well organized information.
The Apraxia Kids has an active Facebook Page
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Apraxia of Speech
SLP Mommy of Apraxia – simple ways to support language development in children especially ones in speech therapy.
Bjorem Speech – good supports for families who are homeschooling or working on things over the summer.
Books – Kids
Listening for God (Warner) – this is great to help kids to know that stillness/silence isn’t a problem for God.
Harry Finds His Voice: A Journey with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Michelle’s)
Where is Tatum’s Voice?: Our Journey with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Tippett) – this book has some ableism but is very hopeful
Beyond Words: A Child’s Journey Through Apraxia (Hall) – love this book for children’s speech language divergences be accepted in the class
Books – Adult
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Eugenia) – the Kindle addition is free.
Autism & Childhood Apraxia of Speech: From Pre-verbal to Sentences (Massey)
Speaking of Apraxia (Second Edition): A Parents’ Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Lindsay) – audio book is free
Apraxia Patient Uses AAC Device to Talk
Emmett, a 6-year-old boy with a severe speech delay called apraxia, is now able to communicate electronically, thanks to a special device and his expert team at Comer Children’s Hospital.