How to Help a Child with Apraxia of Speech
How to Help a Child with Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of Speech (AOS), also known as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. Unlike other speech disorders that affect articulation or language comprehension, apraxia affects how the brain sends signals to the muscles involved in speech production.
If your child has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech, you may wonder what steps you can take to support their communication skills. This guide will explain what apraxia of speech is, signs to look for, and the most effective strategies to help children with this condition improve their ability to speak clearly and confidently.
What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Apraxia of speech is a neurological speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to produce sounds, syllables, and words correctly and consistently. It is not caused by muscle weakness but rather by a disconnect between the brain and the muscles used for speech.
Children with apraxia know what they want to say, but their brains struggle to coordinate the precise movements required to produce speech. This results in inconsistent speech errors, difficulty pronouncing words, and challenges with speech fluency.
Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech
The signs of apraxia of speech can vary, but common characteristics include:
Inconsistent speech errors – A child may pronounce a word correctly once but struggle to repeat it accurately later.
Difficulty combining sounds – They may have trouble forming syllables or transitioning between sounds in words.
Distorted vowels or consonants – Sounds may come out unclear or incorrect.
Groping movements of the mouth – The child may appear to struggle to position their lips, tongue, or jaw correctly when attempting to speak.
Limited babbling as an infant – Some children with apraxia had fewer coos and babbles during infancy.
Difficulty with longer words or sentences – Speech challenges often become more noticeable when trying to say multisyllabic words.
Better automatic speech – Saying common phrases like “bye-bye” may be easier than forming new words or sentences.
Slow progress despite speech therapy – Children with apraxia may take longer to improve compared to children with other speech delays.
If your child exhibits several of these signs, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine if they have apraxia of speech.
How Speech Therapy Helps Children with Apraxia
Because apraxia affects motor planning, treatment focuses on repetitive practice and structured speech exercises to help the brain build stronger connections for speech production. Speech therapy is essential for children with apraxia, and early intervention leads to the best outcomes.
Key Speech Therapy Techniques for Apraxia:
Frequent and Repetitive Practice
Apraxia therapy requires consistent and frequent speech exercises to reinforce correct pronunciation.
Repetition helps the brain develop and strengthen motor pathways for speech movements.
Breaking Down Words into Smaller Parts
SLPs often work on individual sounds, then syllables, and then full words.
Example: If a child struggles to say “banana,” they may first practice “ba,” then “ba-na,” and finally “banana.”
Multi-Sensory Cueing
Since apraxia affects motor planning, using visual, tactile, and auditory cues can help children produce sounds more accurately.
Visual cues: Watching the therapist’s mouth movements.
Tactile cues: Feeling the shape of sounds with their lips or tongue.
Auditory cues: Listening and repeating sounds carefully.
Slow and Controlled Speech Practice
Slowing down speech helps children coordinate their mouth movements more effectively.
Therapists often use rhythmic speech exercises or tapping on a surface to help with pacing.
Using Music and Singing to Improve Speech Rhythm
Singing familiar songs can help children develop better speech timing and fluency.
Rhythmic speaking, such as clapping along while saying words, helps reinforce correct speech patterns.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support
If a child struggles significantly with verbal speech, AAC tools such as picture communication boards or speech-generating devices can help them communicate while they work on their speech skills.
Using AAC does not prevent speech development—instead, it supports language while verbal skills improve.
Parental Involvement in Therapy
Practicing speech exercises at home is essential for reinforcing therapy progress.
Parents can work with their child on daily speech practice, using repetition, play-based learning, and positive reinforcement.
Because every child with apraxia is unique, a speech therapist will develop a customized treatment plan based on their specific needs.
Ways Parents Can Help at Home
Speech therapy is most effective when reinforced at home. Here are practical ways parents can support a child with apraxia of speech:
1. Model Clear and Slow Speech
Speak slowly and clearly, emphasizing the sounds in words.
Use simple, short phrases that are easier for your child to repeat.
2. Practice Repetition and Encouragement
Encourage your child to repeat words or sounds in a fun and relaxed way.
Use games, storytelling, and play to make speech practice enjoyable.
3. Use Visual and Tactile Cues
Show your child how your mouth moves when saying words.
Use a mirror so they can watch their own mouth movements.
4. Incorporate Speech Practice into Daily Routines
Encourage speech during mealtimes, play, and car rides.
Ask simple questions to prompt speech attempts.
5. Be Patient and Celebrate Small Wins
Apraxia takes time to improve, so be patient and celebrate progress.
Avoid pressuring your child—focus on making speech practice a positive experience.
6. Read Together and Use Rhyming Games
Reading books with repetitive words and simple phrases helps reinforce speech patterns.
Singing nursery rhymes or clapping along with syllables can improve speech timing.
7. Consider Alternative Communication Methods When Needed
If your child becomes frustrated, allow them to use gestures, pictures, or an AAC device to communicate while continuing to practice verbal speech.
With consistent therapy, home practice, and positive reinforcement, children with apraxia of speech can make significant progress in their ability to communicate effectively.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you suspect your child has apraxia of speech, early diagnosis and intervention are critical. Consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if your child:
Struggles to say words clearly and consistently.
Has difficulty combining sounds into words.
Shows frustration when trying to speak.
Appears to understand language well but struggles with verbal expression.
An SLP will assess speech patterns, motor coordination, and communication abilities to determine the best treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Helping a child with apraxia of speech requires patience, consistency, and structured speech therapy. While progress may take time, early intervention, multi-sensory speech techniques, and ongoing parental support can significantly improve a child’s ability to communicate.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, reach out to us today to schedule a free evaluation. With the right support, your child can develop the communication skills they need to succeed.