Childhood Apraxia of Speech

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There are many different language delays and disorders found in the pediatric population. Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is one of the most common of these disorders. Dr. Libby Kumin defines CAS as “a motor speech disorder where children have difficulty planning, coordinating, producing and sequencing speech sounds” (Kumin, n.d.). Apraxia does not occur because of weakness or paralysis of facial and oral muscles. It occurs when a child’s brain cannot properly plan the movement of body parts necessary for normal speech production (“Childhood Apraxia,” 2011). Though CAS is the most common name for this specific disorder, it is also referred to as a variety of other names. Some of these names include: dyspraxia, developmental apraxia, pediatric verbal apraxia, or just apraxia (Kumin, n.d.).

It can be difficult to determine the specific cause of CAS in most children. However, it could potentially arise as the result of a stroke, traumatic brain injury, genetic disorder, or syndrome. ASHA states that it is important for one to “note that while CAS may be referred to as ‘developmental apraxia,’ it is not a disorder that children simply ‘outgrow’” (“Causes and Numbers,” 2011). With most disorders related to speech development, the child learns everything in the same order as others, just slightly slower than their peers. If a child is experiencing CAS, on the other hand, they do not learn sounds in the usual patterns and cannot improve without therapy or treatment. Though there is no cure for CAS, much progress can be made with “appropriate, intensive intervention” (“Causes and Numbers,” 2011).

The list of symptoms and defining characteristics of CAS is rather extensive. That being said, all children with CAS are not t...

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...axia of Speech. (2011). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association | ASHA. Retrieved November 20, 2011, from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Childh oodApraxia.htm

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Causes and Number. (2011). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association | ASHA. Retrieved November 25, 2011, from http://www.asha.org/public/spe ech/disorders/ChildhoodApraxiaCauses.htm

Gretz, S. (2011). Apraxia: Speech Therapy in Toddlers and Young Children - Apraxia-KIDS . Apraxia-KIDS (a program of The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association) - Apraxia-KIDS. Retrieved November 20, 2011, from http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/apps/nlnet/c ontent3.aspx?c=chKMIOPIIsE&b=78844 &ct=464229

Kumin, L. (n.d.). Childhood Apraxia of Speech Resource Guide. NDSC Center. Retrieved November 20, 2011, from http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/documents/speech/Kumi n.Apraxia.pdf

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