3 minute read
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
BY MELANIE YOUNG: WRITER AND CONTRIBUTOR
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological disorder that affects how the brain and the mouth work together to produce speech. In those with CAS, the brain cannot properly plan and sequence the sound movements to say what it plans to say.
CAS is said to be present from birth and is not the same as a developmental delay in speech where the speech sounds come later than normal. It is not caused by weakness in the jaw. It is said to occur in families and may have a genetic component. More research is needed to determine the exact cause.
Children with CAS have many of the same characteristics in speech. People with apraxia may appear to be groping for the right word or sound. They may leave off the beginning or ending consonants of words, or may leave out certain vowels. They may be able to say a difficult word one time, but not be able to repeat it. They may also have trouble with intonation and proper rhythm of speech.
There are also co-occurring conditions that may be present for those with apraxia, such as expressive language and motor planning disorders.
Treatment for CAS is focused on the sequencing of movements of the speech muscles during speech attempts. According to Stacie Griffith MS, CCC-SLP, therapy is most effective when it’s provided by someone who specializes in CAS and when provided at a high frequency. “Progress is typically much slower than a developmental speech delay and typically lasts many years. It’s a lifelong disorder and usually occurs with other co-morbidities making a multi-disciplinary team approach most helpful.”
Griffith is not only a Speech Pathologist who treats patients with apraxia, her young son Silas has CAS. “Being both a medical SLP and focused on treating the adult population and a mom to Silas with CAS brings about a unique scenario. The apraxia community has brought so much support to my son and me. The life lessons I have learned with my son have also helped me to treat my patients who often have experienced similar challenges.”
Griffith is also an advocate for all children with CAS as one of the Co-Coordinators of the Detroit Walk for Apraxia. Last year’s Detroit event was the second highest earning walk in the country for the non-profit organization Apraxia Kids. This year’s event is scheduled for September 22nd at Young Patriot’s Park in Riverview. More information can be found at https://www.apraxia-kids.org/walkfor-apraxia. Teams can register now!
Griffith is also advocating for the diagnosis of Apraxia to be added to the Children’s Special Care Health Services eligibility list. This is a program within the MDHS and helps people with chronic health issues by providing services referral services, coordinated services and family centered services. There is currently a petition on change. org, titled Speak up For Speech Apraxia! Childhood Apraxia of Speech to be included on CSHCS. She encourages everyone to sign it to support those with apraxia. “I absolutely love advocating for these kids,” said Griffith. “They work so hard and are so resilient.”
