Parent’s Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speec

 Hearing that your child may have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) can feel overwhelming at first—but you’re not alone. Understanding what CAS is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to help your child is the first step toward progress and confidence.

Let’s walk through what every parent should know. 👇

What Is Apraxia of Speech?

When children learn to speak, their brain develops a “muscle plan” that tells the mouth, jaw, and tongue how to move to make sounds. In children with apraxia, the brain knows what it wants to say, but the message gets scrambled on the way to the muscles.

Unlike other speech disorders, it’s not about weak muscles—it’s about confused coordination.

Children with apraxia may:

• Mispronounce sounds or syllables

• Leave gaps between syllables (e.g., “ba...nana” instead of “banana”)

• Say similar-sounding words incorrectly (like “batch” instead of “patch”)

But remember: Every child’s experience is different, and CAS can sometimes look like other speech or language issues.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Because CAS shares symptoms with other disorders (like articulation or phonological disorders), it can be tricky to identify.

Here are key red flags to help spot apraxia:

• Trouble moving smoothly from one sound to another

• Vowel distortions (like “cat” sounding like “cot”)

• Uneven or incorrect stress on syllables

• Equal stress on every syllable (like saying “ro-BO-TIC” instead of “ro-BO-tic”)

• Difficulty imitating speech

• Inconsistent mistakes, even when saying the same word repeatedly

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A proper diagnosis typically involves a full evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist, including:

• Speech testing

• Observation during communication

• Review of family and medical history

What Causes Apraxia in Children?

The cause of CAS isn’t always clear. In some cases, it may be linked to:

• Neurological injuries (like a stroke or brain trauma)

• Genetic conditions or syndromes

• Metabolic disorders

Most often, though, there’s no visible brain abnormality. But the good news is—with the right help, children can make significant progress.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

Here at Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, our speech-language pathologists work one-on-one with children using proven methods that support both the brain and the body in making sounds.

Therapy focuses on:

• Helping your child feel how the sound is made

• Repeating words and phrases in a paced, supportive setting

• Reinforcing correct sound movements through fun, practical exercises

• Home practice so children apply what they learn in everyday life

Therapy is tailored to each child’s needs, and your physician may recommend additional tools or support along the way.

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

If your child is struggling to speak or showing signs of CAS, early intervention is key. With encouragement, personalized therapy, and your support at home, your child can build confidence and stronger communication skills.

📍 Visit us in Plano, Texas
📞 Call today to schedule an evaluation: 972-424-0148
🌐 Learn more at: Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas