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Childhood Apraxia of Speech
The difference between Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Speech Delay
A speech delay involves the “typical” path of childhood speech development, however it occurs at a slower rate. This slow rate may occur with cognitive skill development as well. Children with childhood apraxia of speech have a large gap in abilities of speech and receptive language. The child will understand and know what they want to say, however their ability to perform the correct movements of their articulators will be disordered.
What if my child is diagnosed with CAS?
A child diagnosed with CAS will receive speech therapy services at a higher frequency than a child with a speech delay. Typically a child diagnosed with CAS will be recommended for therapy three to five times a week. If a child cannot tolerate three to five days of therapy a week the frequency can be adjusted with the caregivers and the SLP of the child.
Carryover of techniques should be practiced frequently for success of goals throughout the time the child is in therapy. The target sounds and techniques practiced in carryover will be determined by the treating SLP based on what your child is having success with in therapy.
