Childhood Apraxia Of Speech (CAS)

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Apraxia of Speech, or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to plan and execute the precise movements needed to produce speech. This condition can create significant barriers in communication, which can impact a child’s ability to express themselves, participate in social activities, and succeed in school.

In this article, we’ll discuss what apraxia of speech is, the unique challenges students with apraxia may encounter, common misconceptions, and effective strategies for teachers and parents to support these children in their learning journey.

Apraxia of Speech is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to coordinate the muscle movements required for speaking. It’s important to note that this is not due to muscle weakness or paralysis. Instead, it’s a difficulty in the planning and sequencing of sounds, syllables, and words, which is why children with apraxia may know what they want to say but struggle to physically produce the words.

Common characteristics of apraxia of speech include:

• Inconsistent Speech Errors: A child may be able to say a word correctly one time but have difficulty with the same word later on.
• Difficulty with Longer Words or Phrases: The complexity of speech production increases with longer words or sentences, so children with apraxia often struggle more with these.
• Slow Progress in Speech Development: Children with apraxia usually require intensive speech therapy to make progress, and their development may be slower than other children.
• Visible Effort and Frustration: Speaking can require significant concentration and effort, which can lead to frustration, especially when others don’t understand them.

For students with apraxia, school can present a range of challenges, many of which are related to communication barriers. Understanding these challenges can help educators and parents provide the necessary support.

1. Difficulty Being Understood: Children with apraxia often struggle to make themselves understood, which can impact their confidence and willingness to participate in classroom activities. They may avoid speaking or become withdrawn due to frustration.
2. Limited Vocabulary and Expressive Language: Because they struggle to practice and produce words consistently, students with apraxia may have a smaller active vocabulary. This can impact their ability to express ideas, answer questions, and keep up with language-rich subjects.
3. Low Self-Esteem and Social Isolation: The constant struggle to communicate can lead to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and isolation. Students with apraxia are often aware of their communication difficulties and may feel self-conscious around peers.
4. Difficulty with Phonological Awareness Skills: Phonological awareness—the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds within words—is essential for literacy. However, children with apraxia often struggle with these skills, which can impact reading and spelling development.
5. Impact on Academics and Classroom Participation: The effort required to speak may make it hard for students with apraxia to fully participate in class discussions, group work, and oral presentations. This can limit their opportunities for engagement and make it harder for teachers to gauge their understanding.

There are several misconceptions about apraxia of speech, which can lead to misunderstandings and inappropriate support.

• "It’s Just a Speech Delay": Many people assume apraxia is simply a delay in speech development. However, apraxia is a specific motor planning disorder, not a simple delay. Unlike typical speech delays, children with apraxia need specialized, consistent intervention to make progress.
• "They’ll Outgrow It": Apraxia of speech is not something children simply "outgrow." It requires intensive, targeted speech therapy, often over the course of several years. While children can make significant improvements, apraxia typically requires long-term support.
• "They’re Not Trying Hard Enough": Apraxia is a motor planning issue, not a lack of effort or motivation. Children with apraxia often work very hard to communicate and may even feel frustrated by the amount of effort it takes. Encouraging and acknowledging their hard work is essential.
• "They Understand Less Because They Speak Less": Apraxia of speech does not impact cognitive abilities. Many children with apraxia fully understand language and know what they want to say—they simply have difficulty coordinating the muscles to produce the sounds. Assuming a lack of understanding can lead to underestimating their capabilities.

With the right strategies and understanding, teachers and parents can create a supportive environment for children with apraxia, helping them feel more comfortable and engaged in their learning.

A speech therapist specializing in motor speech disorders can provide guidance on supporting a child with apraxia. Regular communication with the therapist can help teachers understand the child’s specific speech goals and how to reinforce them in the classroom.

Many children with apraxia benefit from visual supports, such as picture cards, visual schedules, and communication boards. Some may use AAC devices, like tablets or dedicated communication apps, to help them express themselves when speaking is difficult. AAC can relieve the pressure of speech production, making communication more accessible.

Children with apraxia often need more time to articulate their thoughts. Avoid rushing them or finishing their sentences for them. Instead, be patient and encourage their efforts, letting them know it’s okay to take their time.

Apraxia of speech can be frustrating, so it’s important to celebrate each success, no matter how small. Acknowledge the child’s efforts and celebrate improvements, which can boost confidence and motivation to keep working on their speech.

While open-ended questions encourage expressive language, they can be challenging for children with apraxia. Sometimes, offering choices or asking yes/no questions can help them respond more easily and reduce frustration.

Encouraging classmates to be understanding and patient can make a big difference in a student’s social experience. Teaching the class about patience, inclusion, and respect for different communication styles can create a supportive atmosphere.

Many children with apraxia struggle with phonological awareness, which can affect their reading and spelling skills. Phonological awareness activities, such as rhyming games, sound matching, and syllable segmentation, can help reinforce these skills. However, these should be done with sensitivity to the child’s specific needs, as sound-based tasks can be challenging.

• Use Multi-Sensory Learning: Incorporate visual, auditory, and tactile elements into lessons. This can help reinforce language concepts in a way that doesn’t solely rely on speech.
• Be Patient and Flexible: Accept that progress may be slow and that the child may have good and bad days. Celebrate small victories to keep the child motivated.
• Allow for Alternative Assessments: When possible, allow students to demonstrate understanding in nonverbal ways, such as through writing, drawing, or selecting answers on a communication device.

• Practice Speech Goals at Home: Reinforcing speech therapy exercises at home can be beneficial. However, be mindful not to pressure your child; instead, incorporate practice into play or daily routines.
• Build a Supportive Network: Connect with other parents of children with apraxia. Support groups, both online and in person, can provide resources, advice, and emotional support.
• Advocate for Your Child’s Needs: Communicate with teachers and therapists to ensure your child’s needs are being met at school. Request accommodations as needed, such as extra time for speaking tasks or access to AAC tools.

Supporting students with apraxia of speech is about understanding their unique challenges and providing an environment that respects their efforts and fosters growth. By offering patience, encouragement, and appropriate tools, teachers and parents can help these students build confidence and communication skills over time.

At Olive Tree Learning, we’re committed to providing resources that make learning accessible and supportive for all students, including those with speech and language difficulties. For educational tools and materials designed with diverse learners in mind, visit our store on Teachers Pay Teachers.