Do’s and Don’ts – Child Apraxia Treatment

Do's and Don'ts for Your Child with CAS

Do:
Respond to all forms of communication (gestures, signs, pictures, device, speech) that your child uses.
Do:
Use other forms of communication (gestures, signs, pictures, device) paired with speech if that is how your child is communicating or learning to communicate.
Do:
Talk to your child throughout the day, even if they are not able to talk back.
Do:
Ask your child to correct words/phrases that your speech-language pathologist has said are ready for home practice. Do this a few times a day, intermixed with lots of praise.
Do:
Talk to your child naturally, using a normal tone of voice and rhythm or melody.
Do:
Try to use the words and/or phrases that your child is targeting in therapy when talking to your child.
Do:
Expect inconsistency - it is common for your child's speech to be impacted by fatigue, change of environment, emotions, new people, etc.
Do:
Be your child's biggest cheerleader! Reinforce all attempts at speech, even if there are errors. Positive comments like "Good job trying" are meaningful to children.

Don't:
Break your sentences into single words and speak one word at a time to your child.
Don't:
Split the word into individual sounds (C-A-T) when you help your child say a word.
Don't:
Correct your child for every speech error they make. Use the rule "10 pennies = 1 dime" meaning 10 reinforcements for every correction to make sure that your child hears enough positive, reinforcing feedback to balance out the corrections.
Don't:
Constantly ask your child questions or overwhelm them with lots of requests to repeat or say words.
Don't:
Ask your child to repeatedly say a word incorrectly without helping them to say it better. Saying a word incorrectly is called negative practice and can actually make it more difficult for the child to correct the word later.