Childhood Apraxia of Speech

A FREE Mini-Series For Parents Of Young Children

Child holding her face

Childhood Apraxia of Speech

15 Minutes

6 Video Lessons

(1-3 Minutes Each)

Beginner

1 Download

Hello and Welcome to the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Mini-Series!

My name is Stephanie Keffer. I am an ASHA certified speech therapist in California and North Carolina specializing in early childhood. I’ll be your instructor for this mini-series.

Please don’t hesitate to take advantage of the “Ask a question” links provided in each section of the series; I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Let’s get started!

Stephanie Keffer, MS CCC-SLP

What is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech is the most common motor speech disorder that children are born with. Children with apraxia of speech know what they want to say but have a hard time coordinating the movements of their mouth to talk.

In this video we are going to explain how childhood apraxia of speech works and how it's different from articulation.

What causes apraxia?

Childhood apraxia of speech, also called developmental apraxia of speech, is something that children are born with. It's not caused by something you did or didn't do as a parent; it's not your fault!

Apraxia of speech can also be acquired. Acquired apraxia is caused by very serious life threatening brain injuries; this type of apraxia is much less common.

And apraxia of speech isn't the only kind of apraxia; apraxia can impact other kinds of movement as well. When working with young children, speech therapists will often recommend physical and occupational therapy to be sure children are fully supported.

The Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Childhood apraxia of speech is diagnosed by pediatric speech language pathologist (also called speech therapist) usually after children turn 3 years old.

There are some common early signs that you can identify in the speech of children with developmental apraxia; I’ll share those early signs in this video. Knowing the early signs can be a key to finding the right support for your little one.

How is apraxia of speech treated?

Apraxia treatment with a speech therapist involves lots of repeated practice of particular sounds and words.

In this video you'll learn the signs of a great apraxia speech therapist, the keys to successful treatment, and some tools you can use to reduce frustration as your child is learning speech.

We'll also cover how long apraxia treatment may last.

How to support your child at home

My at home speech therapy plan for families of young children with Apraxia is always twofold.

  1. Establish a communication system. For many families, this is most easily done through sign language. If your child is a little bit older, like in preschool, you may find it easier to use a tablet with a communication app.

  2. Encourage them to imitate any sounds at all. For hesitant talkers, I have the most success using sound effects or exclamations.

Now let’s review!

This last video reviews everything we’ve learned about childhood apraxia of speech.

I will also share my absolute favorite resource for parents of children with apraxia.

Free Download

Parents Also Asked These Questions About

Childhood Apraxia of Speech

  • Childhood apraxia of speech does not simply go away. Children with apraxia of speech make progress in their speech through intensive speech therapy sessions.

    The best progress is often seen with a speech therapist who specializes in apraxia.

  • Childhood apraxia of speech is characterized by:

    • Difficulties coordinating the movements of the mouth for talking

    • Errors in consonant and vowel sounds

    • Errors that aren’t always the same; they don’t follow a pattern

  • No, childhood apraxia of speech alone does not affect intelligence.

    In fact children with apraxia often become very frustrated because they understand and know what they want to say, but they can’t get the words out.

  • The most common form of apraxia of speech in children is called childhood apraxia of speech or developmental apraxia of speech. It’s something children are born with and there is no specific known cause.

  • The best way to support your child with apraxia is to work directly with a speech therapist. Your child’s therapist will be able to assign at home practice to fit your child’s individual needs.

  • Childhood apraxia of speech is usually diagnosed after the age of 3.

  • Speech language pathologists will listen carefully to children’s speech in order to diagnose childhood apraxia of speech. They will analyze speech errors and will take a close look at how the child is moving their mouth when talking.

    They may also use standardized tests to get speech therapy approved by insurance.

  • Apraxia of speech may be misdiagnosed (just like anything). However speech therapists will likely rule out other causes of speech and language delay in ongoing therapy sessions before diagnosing childhood apraxia of speech.

  • Yes, childhood apraxia of speech is a neurological speech sound disorder. Apraxia affects the motor signals from the brain to the mouth for talking.

Did you enjoy the Childhood Apraxia of Speech mini-series?

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