"Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying soudns, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis. The brain has problems planning to mvoe the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech" (www.asha.org).
What causes CAS?
In many cases the exact cause of CAS is unknown, but generally there is some form of damage to the parts of the brain that coordinates muscle movement. Possible causes for CAS include, traumatic injury, tumors, infections.
What are symptoms of CAS?
Difficulty coordinating the muscle movements required for voilitional movements. Unlike certain types of Cerebral Palsy that can affect non volitional movements such as the muscles used for breathing. CAS affects the coordination of muslces used for chewing, speaking, swallowing, fine motor, and gross motor. Apraxia often looks like a general acwardness or clumsiness with movements. Words are often produced inconsistently. Words may sound clear such as "please" , but the next time they may say "ps", "paeez", "leez" etc. Each time a child says a word or sound, they may come out differently even within the same sentence.
What to do if you suspect your child has CAS
Contact a speech language pathologist who is trained in treating CAS. The speech language pathologist will look at strength, speed and accuracy of oral motor movements. Treatment often requires frequent and intensive sessions 3-5 times a week.
visit http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/ChildhoodApraxia/ for more information or contact Take Home Speech LLC for your free no obligation phone consultation.
