Childhood apraxia of speech treatment: a parent guide

Families can ask a speech pathologist experienced in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) how they assess speech, tailor therapy and support communication now. You can also ask whether gestures, pictures or other communication tools might help your child express themselves alongside speech.

Key facts

• CAS involves difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. A speech pathologist can assess CAS and other possible causes of speech difficulty. Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH)
• Treatment is tailored to the child and focuses on speech movement patterns; therapy is often intensive. RCH
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can support functional communication alongside spoken language when appropriate. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

You can read about Speech Sprout’s speech and language service or get in touch about a booking and ask whether the service is a fit for your child’s needs.

Who can help if I am concerned about my child’s speech?

A speech pathologist can assess your child’s speech and help you understand what support may be useful. Ask about their experience assessing and treating CAS; the RCH recommends specific treatment from a clinician experienced in the condition. You can also speak with your GP, paediatrician or maternal and child health nurse about your concerns and referral options. RCH

You do not need to decide what is causing your child’s speech difficulties before seeking help. Bring examples of words or situations that are difficult, and share what your child enjoys and how they communicate already.

What should I ask about assessment and treatment?

Ask the speech pathologist to explain their assessment, recommendations and how they will review progress with your family. These questions can help:

• What experience do you have working with children with CAS?
• What will you look at during assessment, and how will you consider other possible explanations?
• What goals and speech movements would you focus on for my child, and why?
• How often might sessions be useful, and how will we review the plan?
• What can we practise at home, and how can we keep it enjoyable?
• How will you support communication at home and in early learning or school?

CAS therapy can focus on practising speech movements in sounds, words and phrases chosen for the child. The right approach and schedule depend on the child’s needs; ask the clinician to explain their recommendation. RCH

Can communication tools help alongside speech therapy?

Yes. Depending on your child’s needs, a speech pathologist may suggest AAC such as signs, pictures, a communication book or a device. These options give a child another way to share messages while speech is also supported. RCH and ASHA describe communication supports for children with CAS.

Ask which options fit your child, how everyone around them can use them, and how the choice will be reviewed. Our guides to starting AAC and AAC modelling for parents offer further ideas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best treatment for childhood apraxia of speech?

There is no single plan that suits every child. Ask a speech pathologist experienced in CAS to explain the treatment they recommend for your child’s speech movement needs and how they will monitor progress. RCH

What exercises can help with apraxia of speech?

The clinician can suggest practice suited to your child, including speech sounds, words or phrases. Ask them to show you what to do and how to fit practice into a comfortable routine. RCH

Does childhood apraxia of speech go away?

RCH advises that children do not simply outgrow CAS, although speech is likely to improve over time with regular, often intensive therapy. Each child’s progress is different, so discuss expectations and review points with their clinician. RCH

What are the early signs of apraxia of speech in children?

Possible signs include difficulty repeating sounds or words and saying the same word differently on different attempts. These signs do not establish a diagnosis; a speech pathologist can assess the child’s communication and consider other causes. RCH

If you would like to discuss your child’s communication, contact Speech Sprout about a booking and ask about the support your family needs.