Definition
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is defined as "a neurological childhood (pediatric) speech sound disorder in which the precision and consistency of movements underlying speech are impaired in the absence of neuromuscular deficits (e.g., abnormal reflexes, abnormal tone). CAS may occur as a result of known neurological impairment, in association with complex neurobehavioral disorders of known or unknown origin, or as an idiopathic neurogenic speech sound disorder. The core impairment in planning and/or programming spatiotemporal parameters of movement sequences results in errors in speech sound production and prosody" (2007).
In simpler terms, CAS is a label for a type of speech sound disorder that is characterized by an inefficiency in motor planning and programming. Our brains send "instructions" to our muscles to move our speech structures (e.g., tongue, lips, teeth, jaw) at the right time, with a specific rate and range of motion, and with the right degree of muscle tension. With CAS, the programming of these "instructions" is inefficient, making it difficult for the speech structures to reach their intended targets and achieve clear speech production.
Diagnosis
At Let's Talk, we provide specialized, comprehensive team evaluations to determine if children meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). CAS is a rare disorder; thus it is important that CAS is not only diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist, but a speech-language pathologist who has completed continuing education and specialty training in this area. ASHA's policy states that "the diagnosis and treatment of CAS are the proper purview of certified speech-language pathologists with specialized knowledge in motor learning theory, skills in differential diagnosis of childhood motor speech disorders, and experience with a variety of intervention techniques that may include augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology. It is the certified speech-language pathologist who is responsible for making the primary diagnosis of CAS, for designing and implementing the individualized and intensive speech-language treatment programs needed to make optimum improvement, and for closely monitoring progress" (2007).
Therapy Services
Our clinicians also provide 1:1 therapy sessions for children with CAS, using best practice guidelines outlined by ASHA to meet each child's needs. Protocols including Dr. Edythe Strand's Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), PROMPT, and Nancy Kaufman's Speech to Language Protocol are utilized in therapy sessions, in addition to a variety of multi-sensory cueing techniques.
Helpful Resources
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Family & Friends Support Group
Apraxia Kids - Family Start Guide
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - CAS Information Page
Apraxia (CAS) Boston Facebook Page
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is defined as "a neurological childhood (pediatric) speech sound disorder in which the precision and consistency of movements underlying speech are impaired in the absence of neuromuscular deficits (e.g., abnormal reflexes, abnormal tone). CAS may occur as a result of known neurological impairment, in association with complex neurobehavioral disorders of known or unknown origin, or as an idiopathic neurogenic speech sound disorder. The core impairment in planning and/or programming spatiotemporal parameters of movement sequences results in errors in speech sound production and prosody" (2007).
In simpler terms, CAS is a label for a type of speech sound disorder that is characterized by an inefficiency in motor planning and programming. Our brains send "instructions" to our muscles to move our speech structures (e.g., tongue, lips, teeth, jaw) at the right time, with a specific rate and range of motion, and with the right degree of muscle tension. With CAS, the programming of these "instructions" is inefficient, making it difficult for the speech structures to reach their intended targets and achieve clear speech production.
Diagnosis
At Let's Talk, we provide specialized, comprehensive team evaluations to determine if children meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). CAS is a rare disorder; thus it is important that CAS is not only diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist, but a speech-language pathologist who has completed continuing education and specialty training in this area. ASHA's policy states that "the diagnosis and treatment of CAS are the proper purview of certified speech-language pathologists with specialized knowledge in motor learning theory, skills in differential diagnosis of childhood motor speech disorders, and experience with a variety of intervention techniques that may include augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology. It is the certified speech-language pathologist who is responsible for making the primary diagnosis of CAS, for designing and implementing the individualized and intensive speech-language treatment programs needed to make optimum improvement, and for closely monitoring progress" (2007).
Therapy Services
Our clinicians also provide 1:1 therapy sessions for children with CAS, using best practice guidelines outlined by ASHA to meet each child's needs. Protocols including Dr. Edythe Strand's Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), PROMPT, and Nancy Kaufman's Speech to Language Protocol are utilized in therapy sessions, in addition to a variety of multi-sensory cueing techniques.
Helpful Resources
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Family & Friends Support Group
Apraxia Kids - Family Start Guide
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - CAS Information Page
Apraxia (CAS) Boston Facebook Page