Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Helping children with apraxia of speech build clearer, more confident communication.
If your child is struggling to get their words out, you’re not alone—there are ways to support them.
What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. This means the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. Children with apraxia often know what they want to say, but their brain has trouble sending clear, consistent messages to the mouth.
You might notice:
🔁 Words may sound different each time
💭 Your child understands more than they can say
😣 Speech seems effortful or hard to get out
They rely on gestures, sounds, or familiar words
This can feel frustrating—but with the right support, children can make meaningful progress.
FAQs About Childhood Apraxia of Speech
You might have questions or concerns about CAS—here are some common ones:
Is CAS something my child will outgrow?
Children with CAS typically need specialized support. With the right therapy, they can make meaningful progress over time.
Why is progress sometimes slow or inconsistent?
Motor planning takes repetition and practice. Because of this, children with CAS may show inconsistent or variable speech—especially early in therapy.
Can AAC be used with CAS?
Yes. AAC can support communication, reduce frustration, and work alongside speech development—not replace it.
How is CAS different from a speech delay?
CAS affects how the brain plans and sequences the movements for speech—not just how quickly speech develops.
What kind of therapy helps children with CAS?
Motor-based, evidence-based approaches (such as DTTC) that focus on movement patterns, repetition, and support are most effective.
How often does my child need therapy?
Children with CAS often benefit from more frequent, consistent therapy to support motor learning and progress.
Every child’s journey with CAS is unique, and the right support can make a meaningful difference.
How We Support Children with CAS
We use a motor-based, evidence-informed approach that supports both speech development and overall communication.
🔁 Motor-Based Practice
We focus on repeated, supported practice of speech movements to help your child build more consistent and accurate speech production over time.
🔍 Building Awareness
We may occasionally record short speech attempts and play them back in a supportive way to help your child notice and learn from their own productions.
👀 Tactile & Visual Support
We use gentle touch cues, modeling, and visual supports to help your child feel and see how sounds are formulated.
💬 Communication First
We support functional communication right away—using signs, gestures, visuals, and/or AAC when needed—so your child can express themselves as they grow their speech skills.
Our Approach
We focus on connection, motor-based learning, and meaningful communication — not isolated skills.
💬 Connection First
We prioritize engagement and connection as the foundation for all communication. Children learn best when they feel understood, supported, and motivated.
🔄 AAC + Speech Together
AAC does not replace speech—it supports and enhances it. We integrate both to build a strong, flexible communication system.
🧠 Motor-Based & Evidence-Based
We use evidence-based, motor-planning approaches (including DTTC-informed strategies) to support children with apraxia & complex communication needs.
🌍 Generalization Across Settings
We collaborate with families, therapists, and educators to ensure skills carry over into real-life environments — not just therapy sessions.
Every child deserves a way to communicate and be undestood
We’re here to support you—every step of the way.
No pressure—just a conversation.