What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
By Expansion Speech Therapy
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to clearly and consistently say sounds, syllables, and words. The issue isn’t muscle weakness, it’s a disconnect between the brain and the muscles needed for speech.
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we work with children who have CAS using research-backed methods and a relationship-centered approach that supports both communication and confidence.
What Does CAS Look Like?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), children with CAS know what they want to say, but their brain has trouble planning the movements needed to say it (ASHA.org).
Some signs of CAS include:
- Inconsistent speech errors
- Trouble saying longer or more complex words
- Difficulty imitating sounds or words
- Visible effort or struggle to move the mouth correctly
- Stronger understanding of language than ability to speak
How We Support CAS at Expansion
We tailor therapy to each child’s needs using:
- Frequent, repetitive practice of speech targets
- Visual, tactile, and auditory cues
- AAC tools when needed to support expression
- Play-based sessions to keep learning motivating and fun
We focus on building functional communication through connection, not just drilling sounds. Consistency, family involvement, and a trusting relationship are key to progress.
The Importance of Early Support
ASHA emphasizes early diagnosis and intensive treatment for CAS. Early therapy leads to better outcomes in speech clarity, language development, and overall communication. We guide parents through the process, offer home strategies, and work together as a team.
We’re Here to Help
CAS can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re noticing signs of speech difficulty in your child, we’re here to help. At Expansion Speech Therapy, we believe every child deserves a voice and we’re committed to helping them find it.
Ready to take the next step?
Fill out our inquiry form to get started as a new patient. We’d love to connect with you and learn more about how we can support your child.
