Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
When parents learn their child has childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), they often have many questions about the future. One of the most common concerns is whether a child with apraxia will ever be able to speak “normally.”
This is a complex question with no straightforward answer. But there are several things for parents to know that can help guide expectations and offer hope.
What is childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)?
Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor-planning disorder. It affects a child's ability to coordinate the mouth movements needed for speech. While the child may know exactly what they want to say, their brain struggles to send signals to the mouth muscles to produce the correct sounds. This leads to difficulty turning sounds into words and phrases.
It's important to note that children with CAS are typically born with the condition. It’s not something they acquire later in life.
Why speech therapy is needed for apraxia
Speech therapy is essential for children with apraxia. They need support to learn the correct motor patterns for speaking clearly. It’s rare for children with apraxia to improve on their own, so early intervention is key. Consistent, one-on-one therapy with a speech-language pathologist, supported by the family, provides the best chance for improvement.
Your child’s speech therapist will create a treatment plan to help your child say sounds, words, and sentences more clearly. Therapy will focus on frequent practice and repetition of these speech sounds.
The more often your child receives appropriate therapy, the better their progress and long-term results.
Having at least three sessions a week is often recommended. The more often your child receives appropriate therapy, the better their progress and long-term results. For the best outcomes, children with apraxia may need speech therapy for several years.
Some children may benefit from alternative communication methods. This might include sign language, or assistive devices like communication boards. While these tools may not be needed long-term, they can help the child communicate while they’re working with a speech therapist. They can also help reduce any frustration your child may feel.
Will a child with apraxia ever be able to speak normally?
Children with CAS can grow into adults who lead fulfilling lives—graduating from high school, pursuing careers, and forming relationships. Many children who receive appropriate speech therapy can learn to speak clearly. However, there are many factors that can affect outcomes, such as:
The severity of CAS
The presence of other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism
The child’s age when they start speech therapy (the earlier therapy begins, the better)
The consistency and frequency of speech therapy sessions
Some children with apraxia may achieve normal speech with speech therapy. Others may always face some challenges. They may have mild differences in the way they talk, such as less crisp /r/ sounds or slight variations in the intonation of their voice. In rare cases, children with apraxia may need alternative communication methods long-term.
Ultimately, while no one can predict a child's exact outcome with CAS, there is hope. Focus on celebrating every milestone and trusting in the journey with your child’s speech therapist. With the right support and intervention, your child can make remarkable progress!
