Some children seem to know exactly what they want to say, yet the words come out differently each time they try -- a pattern that can sometimes point to childhood apraxia of speech rather than a general speech delay.
What Childhood Apraxia of Speech Is
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. The brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise, rapid movements of the lips, tongue and jaw needed to produce speech sounds in the right order -- it isn't caused by muscle weakness, hearing loss or a lack of understanding.
How It Can Differ From a General Speech Delay
With CAS, a child may say the same word differently each time, may search or 'grope' with their mouth trying to find the right position, and often manages short, automatic phrases like 'hi' or 'bye-bye' more easily than longer, deliberate ones. A general speech delay, by contrast, usually shows a more consistent pattern of simplified sounds.
Why an Evaluation Matters
Dr. Murli Singh, Speech Therapist & Audiologist, notes that a detailed speech-language evaluation is the most reliable way to tell CAS apart from other speech sound disorders, since the therapy approach that helps most can differ depending on the underlying cause.
If You've Noticed These Signs
If your child's speech patterns sound inconsistent or effortful in the ways described above, Call 9990555423 or 8796958310, or message us on WhatsApp, to arrange a consultation.