How can I help my toddler with speech apraxia?

Treatment

  1. Speech drills. Your child’s speech-language therapist will focus on speech drills, such as asking your child to say words or phrases many times during a therapy session.
  2. Sound and movement exercises.
  3. Speaking practice.
  4. Vowel practice.
  5. Paced learning.

How do you target apraxia of speech?

Consider different pragmatic functions (social greetings, refusal, requesting, acceptance, etc) and be sure the target words include more than one function (e.g. not all requests). Think about power words or core words that have lots of uses. Also consider what is important and motivating for the child!

Can a child grow out of apraxia?

CAS is sometimes referred to as developmental apraxia. However, children with CAS don’t necessarily grow out of CAS as they develop. In many children with delayed speech or developmental disorders, children follow usual patterns in development of speech and sounds, but they develop more slowly than usual.

How common is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech can range from mild to severe. It’s not a common condition. It happens more often in boys than in girls.

Is childhood apraxia of speech a disability?

If your child has apraxia of speech – either as a primary condition or associated with another condition – then he or she may be eligible to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) …

At what age can apraxia of speech be diagnosed?

CAS can be difficult to diagnose, especially in very young children. There is a misconception among many SLPs that CAS cannot be diagnosed until age three. While the 2- to 3-year age range can be the most challenging, there is no definitive age when a firm diagnosis can be given.

Is there a cure for childhood apraxia of speech?

While there is no CURE, regular and intensive speech therapy using the principles of motor learning that is accessed early in the child’s life/diagnosis is known to best treat CAS. This means consistent attendance to therapy where the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) has experience in treating CAS.

Can a child with apraxia learn to read?

A child with Apraxia of Speech will learn to read with a multisensory, structured, systematic, cumulative and repetitive reading program plus intensive therapy in phonemic awareness and phonological processing!