It can be incredibly overwhelming when your child struggles to communicate. You may notice your child becoming frustrated when they’re not understood, or you might be wondering why their speech doesn’t sound quite like their peers’. If you’ve recently heard the term Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) from a therapist or doctor or you’re simply trying to learn more, you’re in the right spot.

This article is here to guide you through what CAS is, how it’s different from other speech challenges, how it’s diagnosed, what signs to look for, and what treatment looks like. My goal is to empower you with knowledge so you feel confident and supported on this journey with your child.

What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?

Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a motor speech disorder. This means that the brain has difficulty with planning and sequencing the movements needed to speak. Children with CAS know what they want to say, but their brain has trouble coordinating the muscle movements of the lips, jaw, and tongue to produce speech clearly.

Think of it like this: Imagine knowing the steps to a dance, but when the music starts, your body can’t quite follow along in the right order. The intention is there, but the coordination isn’t. That’s how speaking can feel for a child with apraxia.

How Is CAS Different from Other Speech Sound Disorders?

It’s easy to confuse CAS with other types of speech difficulties, especially because they can sound similar at first. However, there are key differences.

Articulation Disorder:

A child may have trouble saying specific sounds (like /r/ or /s/), but the overall rhythm and flow of speech is typical.
The errors are usually consistent and predictable.
Example: A child always says “wabbit” for “rabbit.”

Phonological Disorder:

The child’s brain has difficulty organizing the sound patterns of speech.
Errors often follow patterns, such as dropping final sounds (“ca” for “cat”) or replacing back sounds with front sounds (“tat” for “cat”).

Childhood Apraxia of Speech:

Errors are inconsistent—a child may say the same word differently each time.
Speech can sound choppy, with unusual rhythm or stress.
The core issue is with motor planning, not sound knowledge.

Quick comparison:
Articulation = Can’t produce a sound
Phonological = Sound rules aren’t fully learned
Apraxia = Knows the word, but can’t get the mouth to say it correctly

How Is CAS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing CAS is not always straightforward, especially in young children who are just beginning to talk. It takes careful observation and specialized knowledge by a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

A comprehensive evaluation may include:

Speech sound assessment to look at how your child says different words and sounds.
Repetition tasks to observe consistency (e.g., saying the same word multiple times).
Prosody and rhythm analysis to check the natural flow of speech.
Oral motor exam to rule out weakness or structural issues.

There’s no single test for apraxia. Instead, it’s diagnosed based on a pattern of characteristics. An SLP may monitor your child over time before making a formal diagnosis.

Tip for parents: Keep a journal or record short videos of your child’s speech over time. This can be helpful information for your SLP during the evaluation process.

Common Characteristics of CAS

Not every child with CAS will have all of the signs, but here are some of the most common:

Inconsistent sound errors even on the same word
(e.g., “banana” might sound like “nana” one day and “bana” the next)
Groping movements of the mouth when trying to talk
Unusual stress patterns or flat, robotic speech
Limited babbling as an infant or late onset of first words
Difficulty imitating words or sounds
Better understanding than ability to speak
Increased difficulty when words get longer
(e.g., “ball” is easier than “basketball”)

As children with CAS grow older, they may also have challenges with spelling, reading, and overall language expression if not treated early and intensively.

How Is CAS Treated?

Treatment for CAS is very different from treatment for other speech disorders. Because the root problem is with motor planning, children need frequent and specific practice to help their brain learn the correct movement patterns.

Key features of effective therapy include:

Frequent sessions: Often 2–4 times per week for younger children
Repetitive practice of speech targets in a structured but fun way
Multisensory cues, such as:
- Visual models (watching how sounds are made)
- Touch cues (e.g., placing a finger on lips for /m/)
- Auditory cues (listening and repeating)
Slow and intentional speech practice to build accuracy
Movement from syllables to words to phrases with lots of repetition

Important note: Children with CAS do not benefit as much from traditional articulation approaches or drill-based worksheets. Therapy must be individualized and motor-based.

Supporting Communication at Home

Speech therapy is essential, but parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children make progress between sessions. Consistent practice in everyday routines gives children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) more opportunities to build motor speech skills in a low-pressure, fun environment.

Below are step-by-step examples to show you exactly how to support your child’s communication at home:

1. Use Short, Clear Phrases During Routines

Children with apraxia benefit from hearing simple, functional phrases over and over in real-life situations. These short phrases are easier to understand and eventually imitate.

When to Use: During dressing, mealtime, play, or transitions

How to Do It:

Pick a daily routine (e.g., putting on shoes)
Say a 1–3 word phrase that matches what’s happening
Use the same phrase every time you do that routine

Example:
While putting on shoes:
“Shoe on!”
“Other foot.”
“All done!”

During snack:
“More apple?”
“Take bite.”
“All gone!”

Tips:

Use a lively voice and gestures
Pause and look at your child after saying the phrase to give them a chance to respond or imitate

2. Repeat and Expand What Your Child Says

Repeating what your child says—and then adding a little more—helps them learn new vocabulary and sentence structure in a way that feels natural.

How to Do It:

Listen to what your child says, even if it’s just a sound or part of a word
Repeat their word back clearly
Add 1–2 new words to gently model a longer phrase

Example:
Child says: “Ba!”
You say: “Ball!”
Then expand: “Big ball!” or “Throw ball!”

Child says: “Dino!”
You say: “Dino!”
expand: “Dino walk!” or “Green dino!”

Tip: Don’t ask your child to repeat you—just model it! Let them listen and absorb.

3. Use Gestures, Signs, or Visuals to Reduce Frustration

Children with CAS often understand more than they can say. Using gestures, simple signs, or picture choices can help them communicate while their speech develops.

How to Do It:

Choose 2–3 helpful signs or gestures (e.g., “eat,” “all done,” “help”)
Use the gesture while saying the word
Encourage your child to try the gesture if they’re upset or pointing

Example:
At snack time:
Say: “eat?” while signing “eat”
Gently guide your child’s hands to help them sign if they’re open to it

Use picture choices:
Show a photo of two snacks: “Do you want cracker or banana?”
Wait for your child to point or gesture, then model the word: “Banana! Okay!”

Resource: Signing Savvy

4. Celebrate All Attempts at Communication

Every time your child tries to communicate, whether it’s a sound, gesture, facial expression, or partial word, it’s a big deal. Celebrate these moments with enthusiasm!

How to Do It:

Acknowledge what they tried to say
Repeat the correct form so they hear it clearly
Add praise to build confidence

Example:
Child says: “Ju!” (for juice)
You say: “Juice! Yes, juice!”
“Great job asking for juice!”

Child points and grunts at toy
You say: “Car?You want the car! Here’s your car!”
Give a high five or a smile

5. Make Speech Practice Fun and Playful

Kids learn best through play. Create low-pressure opportunities for speech by embedding sound and word practice into games, songs, and stories your child already enjoys.

How to Do It:

Pick a favorite toy or activity
Pick 1–2 words or sounds to repeat during the play
Add a silly sound effect, song, or routine to keep them engaged

Example:
Animal Play:

Use animal toys and model sounds:
“Roar!” “Moo!” “Quack!”
Turn it into a chant: “Cow says moo, cow says moo!”

Pretend Baking:

Model phrases: “Mix it!” “Hot oven!” “Yum yum!”
Use a toy kitchen or bake real cookies!

Songs:

Sing simple songs with repetitive sounds:
“Row, row, row your boat…”
“Old MacDonald had a farm…”
Pause for your child to fill in the next sound or word

Books:

Choose books with predictable text or animal sounds
Point and pause: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you…”
Let your child try to finish: “See!”

Remember:

Keep it simple
Be consistent
Follow your child’s lead
Celebrate progress, not perfection

Even a single sound or attempt is meaningful progress for a child with apraxia. By showing up in these little moments, meal after meal, song after song, you’re helping your child build confidence and communication skills that will last a lifetime.

What If My Child Isn’t Talking Yet?

It’s never too early to get support. If your child isn’t using words by 18 months, or if you’re noticing any of the signs mentioned above, reach out to a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation.

Early intervention can make a huge difference, especially for children with CAS. The brain is incredibly adaptable during the early years, and the sooner we start teaching the correct motor patterns, the better the outcomes.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Hearing that your child has Childhood Apraxia of Speech can feel scary or confusing, but there is hope. With the right support, many children with CAS go on to become confident, successful communicators. It may take time, patience, and creativity, but progress is possible.

As a speech-language pathologist, I’ve seen firsthand the power of connection, consistency, and encouragement. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to show up, support your child, and partner with your therapy team.

If you have questions, trust your gut. Keep asking, learning, and advocating. You’re doing an amazing job.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.