Overview
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech neurological (brain) condition that affects some young children as they learn to speak. Children with CAS know what they want to say, but are unable to form the words.
What is the difference between childhood apraxia of speech, developmental verbal dyspraxia and developmental apraxia of speech?
Childhood apraxia of speech, developmental verbal dyspraxia and developmental apraxia of speech refer to the same condition.
Apraxia means that you completely lose the ability to do something. Dyspraxia means that you partially lose the ability to do something with accuracy. The difference between the two terms is severity, with apraxia being the most severe.
You will see all three terms interchangeably used by different healthcare providers.
Who does childhood apraxia of speech affect?
Childhood apraxia of speech can affect any child. The cause of the condition is unknown.
Children may be more likely to have this condition if:
- A child’s language skills are stronger than their expressive communication and speech skills or if a child has limited to no speech.
- A child has difficulties chewing foods, using a straw or drinking from a cup and processing what they feel in their mouth.
- A child has difficulties with the development of reading, writing and spelling when they are school-aged.
- A child has trouble with fine motor skills. For example, the child may have difficulty drawing or picking up small things.
How common is childhood apraxia of speech?
Childhood apraxia of speech is a rare condition that affects an estimated 1-2 out of every 1,000 children in the U.S.
How will childhood apraxia of speech affect my child?
Childhood apraxia of speech affects how your child communicates verbally. Children with CAS have trouble carrying out the movements of their mouth to produce speech accurately even though the child knows what they want to say.
Although your child’s inability to speak is the reason for their diagnosis, they may also have trouble coordinating the movement of their mouth, lips and tongue. Some children with CAS may have trouble eating, but for many children with CAS, only their speech is affected.
Treatment should address the movement patterns required to produce speech appropriately and help to improve communication. Treatment may also include using supportive techniques such as augmentative communication (the use of voice output devices) or gesture communication, depending on the severity of their diagnosis.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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