Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological speech sound disorder where children have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for clear and consistent speech, even though their muscles are not weak or paralyzed. This motor planning challenge can make it hard for a child to say sounds, syllables, and words accurately and consistently. Through early and consistent speech therapy, children with CAS can make significant progress by improving their motor planning and sequencing skills for speech production. Therapy focuses on targeting specific sounds, syllables, and words, ultimately enhancing intelligibility and functional communication. With individualized assessment and intervention, children exhibiting characteristics of CAS can develop clearer speech and more effective communication skills.
"When our son was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, we felt overwhelmed and unsure of the path ahead. Jill's expertise and compassionate approach made all the difference. She provided tailored therapy that not only improved his speech clarity but also boosted his confidence. Now, he's communicating more effectively and engaging more with those around him. We're incredibly grateful for the progress he's made under Jill's guidance."
— EMILY & JASON T. FROM SEDONA, AZ
FAQs
What are the benefits of CAS therapy for my child?
Speech therapy is the primary treatment for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), focusing on improving a child's ability to plan and execute the movements necessary for clear and consistent speech. By enhancing speech intelligibility, therapy enables children to express their needs and thoughts more effectively, reducing frustration and the risk of social withdrawal. Early and consistent intervention not only bolsters functional communication but also fosters confidence, allowing children to engage more fully in everyday interactions.
What techniques are used to treat Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
Jill employs an intensive, individualized approach to treating CAS, focusing on enhancing motor planning and sequencing skills for speech production. Depending on each child's specific needs, therapy sessions may occur 3–4 times per week. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based methods, including Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST), PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), and the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS). These techniques are integrated into structured, interactive sessions tailored to each child, aiming to improve speech clarity and functional communication.