How can I help my child?
Learning about CAS is an important first step.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is rare and many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) don't have experience diagnosing or treating it. Understanding how CAS is diagnosed and treated can help you advocate for your child.

Important Things To Keep In Mind

Apraxia is a label for a specific type of speech disorder that is caused by difficulty with planning movements necessary to say words.  
Research suggests that intensive therapy 3-5 times a week is recommended, especially for children with severe CAS, but may change over time as the child makes progress.
A speech-language pathologist is the most qualified apraxia therapy professional to diagnose and treat CAS.
Most children with child apraxia of speech (CAS), especially those without other developmental disorders, do develop verbal communication skills with appropriate treatment.
There are multiple treatment methods for CAS. Methods that address the underlying motor planning problems, especially those that incorporate Principles of Motor Learning (PML), are most effective in treating apraxia. 
CAS may occur in isolation, but more often occurs with other developmental, neurological or genetic disorders. The incidence of CAS is not higher in children with autism.

What’s next?

Click a topic to learn more.

What is CAS?

A brief description and signs that your child may have CAS.

CAS: Information for Parents

Watch a video by Dr. Edythe Strand and the Mayo Clinic.

Diagnosis

Obtaining an accurate apraxia diagnosis from a qualified speech therapist is the first step to helping your child.

Determining the Right Treatment

A specialized approach using methods based on solid research is critical to helping your child.

Selecting a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Questions and answers about training and experience with CAS to ask a potential clinician.

How to Help Your Child

From suspected CAS to preparing your child to read successfully – understanding what you should do to help your child’s progress.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Key information about helping your child to communicate.

Parent to Parent

You are not alone! Hear from other parents who have children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

Video Learning Opportunities

To become and stay informed on CAS.

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