Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Overview

This is a speech disorder. It involves the brain and the muscles that control speech. With this disorder, it's hard to make the muscle movements needed for speaking.

Causes

What causes this disorder? Well, it can result from a brain injury. A stroke, a severe infection or head trauma can cause that injury. It may be linked to a genetic problem. And, sometimes the cause is never known.

Symptoms

A child with this disorder may have speech delays, along with a wide range of other speech issues. It may be hard for them to say even simple words. As they speak, they may have trouble moving from one sound to the next. They may stress the wrong syllables, and pause in the middle of words. They may leave out certain sounds, or substitute sounds that are easier to say. They may make groping movements with their jaw, lips and tongue as they try to speak. And they may say the same thing differently from one instance to the next. This can make the child very hard to understand.

Treatment

Childhood apraxia of speech is treated with speech therapy. An electronic tablet, sign language or other communication methods may help. Your healthcare provider will create a plan that's right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.