Apraxia of Speech
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that makes it hard to speak clearly.
What is Apraxia of Speech?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological motor speech disorder in which the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate needed for intelligible speech. Unlike other speech disorders, CAS is not caused by muscle weakness but by a disruption in the brain's ability to send correct signals to the speech muscles. Children with CAS know what they want to say but their brains have difficulty directing the movements needed to produce the sounds. Treatment typically involves intensive, individualized speech therapy using motor-learning principles such as PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), dynamic temporal and tactile cueing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports. Early, frequent intervention is key to achieving the best outcomes.
Motor-Based Communication Methods
Many nonspeaking individuals with apraxia have found their voice through spelling and typing methods — S2C, RPM, and the Spellers Method. These approaches bypass unreliable motor speech to unlock communication, education, and independence.
Explore Spelling/Typing to CommunicateCommon Signs & Symptoms
Ways to Cope & Manage
Intensive Speech Therapy
Frequent, individualized sessions using motor-learning approaches like PROMPT and DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing).
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Using sign language, picture boards, or speech-generating devices to support communication while speech develops.
Home Practice & Repetition
Consistent daily practice of target words and phrases to build motor memory for speech movements.
Multisensory Cueing
Using visual, tactile, and auditory cues together to help the brain learn the correct movement sequences for speech.
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