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Finding Their Voice: How Specialized Speech Therapy Helps Children with Apraxia

by | Speech Therapy

As parents and caregivers, few things are more heartwarming than hearing your child’s voice and adorable key phrases, their unique way of expressing themselves and connecting with the world around them. But what happens when those words don’t come easily? If you’ve been exploring information about your child’s speech and terms like speech sound disorders in children or childhood apraxia of speech have surfaced, please know you’re not alone. Understanding these challenges and the power of pediatric speech therapy is the first step towards helping your child find their voice.

At Michigan Pediatric Therapy, we understand the concerns and questions that arise when a child struggles with communication. That’s why we want to shed light on a specific, yet often misunderstood, speech sound disorder: childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). We’ll explore what CAS is, how it differs from other speech difficulties, and most importantly, how specialized pediatric speech therapy can make a profound difference in a child’s ability to communicate effectively. Whether you’re a parent navigating this journey or a fellow industry professional seeking deeper insights into effective interventions, we hope this information provides clarity and hope.

apraxia pediatric speech therapy

Understanding Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): More Than Just a Delay

Sometimes, a child might be a “late talker,” eventually catching up with their peers. However, childhood apraxia of speech is different. It’s a neurological motor speech disorder. This means that the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the complex sequence of muscle movements needed to produce speech sounds. It’s not a weakness or paralysis of the muscles themselves, but rather an issue with the brain sending the correct signals to those muscles—the lips, jaw, and tongue—at the right time and in the right way.

Think of it like trying to play a complicated melody on an instrument. Even if your fingers are strong and capable, if you don’t have the sheet music or the instructions on which keys to press in what order and with what timing, the melody won’t come out right. For children with CAS, the “sheet music” for speech sounds is unclear or jumbled.

Recognizing the Signs: What Are the Symptoms of CAS?

The presentation of CAS can vary from child to child, and the severity can range from mild to severe. However, there are some common signs that parents and professionals might observe. If you’ve researched speech sound disorders in children and are concerned about your child, consider if they exhibit some of these common signs:

Inconsistent Errors

This is a hallmark of CAS. A child might say a word correctly one time but make a completely different error the next time they try to say the same word. The errors aren’t predictable patterns like those seen in typical speech sound delays. For example, they might say “dog” correctly, then say “gog,” then “dot.”

Difficulty with Sequencing Sounds

Putting sounds together in the correct order to form words can be very challenging. They might struggle with longer words or words with multiple syllables. For instance, “spaghetti” might come out as “getti” or something completely different each time.

Groping

You might notice your child moving their lips, jaw, and tongue in a seemingly searching or struggling way as they try to produce sounds and words. It looks like they know what they want to say but can’t quite get their mouth to cooperate.

Vowel Distortions

Unlike typical speech delays where consonants are often the primary difficulty, children with CAS may also have trouble producing vowel sounds accurately.

Prosody Issues

Prosody refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech. Children with CAS may speak in a monotone or have unusual stress patterns on words.

Early Feeding Difficulties

Some children with CAS may have a history of difficulties with feeding as infants, as the oral motor skills involved in sucking, chewing, and swallowing are related to those used for speech.

Family History

There might be a family history of speech or language disorders.

Frustration

Because they have the desire to communicate but struggle to do so, children with CAS can become easily frustrated.
It’s important to remember that not every child who mispronounces words has CAS. Many children go through typical developmental stages of speech sound acquisition where errors are common. However, if you have significant concerns about the consistency and nature of your child’s speech errors, especially if they exhibit several of the signs mentioned above, seeking a professional evaluation is crucial, so be sure to speak to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.
apraxia pediatric speech therapy

The Crucial Role of Specialized Pediatric Speech Therapy for Apraxia

If your child has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having childhood apraxia of speech, specialized speech therapy is the cornerstone of intervention. General speech therapy approaches for articulation delays might not be as effective for CAS because the underlying issue is one of motor planning and sequencing, not just sound production. When exploring treatment options for childhood apraxia of speech, you’re looking for a therapist with specific expertise in this complex disorder, such as ours at Michigan Pediatric Therapy.

So, how does pediatric speech therapy specifically address CAS? The focus is on teaching the child’s brain how to plan and program the movements needed for speech. This often involves intensive, individualized therapy that incorporates a variety of techniques:

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Repetitive Motor Practice

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) utilize numerous repetitions of target sounds, syllables, and words to help the brain learn and automate the motor sequences. Think of it as muscle memory for the mouth.
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Multisensory Cues

Speech therapists often use visual cues (like watching their mouths), tactile cues (like gently touching the child’s face to show them where to move their tongue), and auditory cues (emphasizing the correct sound) to help the child understand and produce sounds.
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Shaping and Sound Approximation

If a child can’t produce a target sound, therapists might start with a sound they can make and gradually shape it into the desired sound.
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Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT)

This technique, which uses singing and rhythmic tapping to help children produce phrases, can be particularly helpful for children with severe CAS who have difficulty with volitional speech. Experienced SLPs are trained in implementing MIT effectively.
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Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

This highly effective approach involves therapists providing direct tactile and verbal cues before, during, and after the child’s attempts to produce target words or phrases. The level of cueing is gradually reduced as the child gains more control.
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Visual Support

Using pictures, letter boards, or other visual aids is a common strategy to help children understand and remember target words and sounds.
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

For children with severe CAS, therapists can assess and implement AAC systems like picture exchange communication systems (PECS) or speech-generating devices to provide a means of communication while they are developing their speech skills.
The intensity and frequency of therapy sessions are often higher for children with CAS compared to those with simple articulation delays. Consistent practice at home, guided by your child’s dedicated speech-language pathologist, is also crucial for progress. Parents and caregivers are integral members of the therapy team.

What to Look for in Speech Therapy for Apraxia

When investigating how to treat childhood apraxia of speech, it’s essential to find a qualified and experienced pediatric SLP who has specific training and expertise in working with children with CAS. When seeking support for your child’s speech development, consider a clinic that offers:

Significant Experience with CAS

Look for therapists with a strong background in treating children diagnosed with apraxia, demonstrating a deep understanding of this complex disorder.

Specialized Training in CAS Techniques

Inquire about specific training in effective CAS therapy methods like DTTC and MIT, indicating a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices.

Truly Individualized Treatment

The therapy approach should be tailored to your child’s unique profile, recognizing that every child’s journey with CAS is different.

Active Family Partnership

The clinic should prioritize involving you in the therapy process, providing practical strategies and engaging activities to support your child’s progress at home.

Collaborative Approach

The therapists should be committed to clear communication with you and willing to collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care for a comprehensive support system.
apraxia pediatric speech therapy

Hope and Progress: The Journey with Specialized Speech Therapy

While childhood apraxia of speech presents unique challenges, with dedicated and specialized speech therapy, children can make significant progress in their ability to communicate. It’s a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a strong partnership between the child, their family, and their speech therapist—a partnership that dedicated clinics strive to build.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or have received a diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Exploring pediatric speech therapy for apraxia will connect you with the support your child needs. Experienced therapists are available to answer your questions, provide comprehensive evaluations, and develop a therapy plan tailored to your child’s unique strengths and challenges. Connecting with an SLP can be the first step towards helping your child unlock their full communication potential and thrive.

Remember, finding the right support is a crucial step in helping your child navigate speech sound disorders. By understanding childhood apraxia of speech and the vital role of specialized speech therapy offered by dedicated professionals, you are already empowering your child on their journey to clearer communication and a brighter future.

Michigan Pediatric Therapy
📍 27655 Middlebelt Rd., Suite 130, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
📞 (248) 939-4030
🌐 mipediatrictherapy.com

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