Childhood Apraxia
of Speech

We have over 20+ Years of Proven Speech Therapy in Smyrna GA.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare but significant speech motor planning disorder in which a child knows what they want to say but has difficulty coordinating the precise muscle movements needed to produce clear speech. Unlike articulation problems or language delays, CAS isn’t caused by muscle weakness — it’s a neurological disorder where the brain struggles to send accurate signals to the lips, tongue, and jaw. This makes speaking effortful and often frustrating for children, especially when they’re trying to form words or longer sentences. Early identification and treatment are key because CAS can affect speech development, language skills, and overall communication confidence if not addressed.

Children with CAS often exhibit distinctive symptoms. A hallmark sign is inconsistent speech errors — the same word may be pronounced differently each time a child attempts it. They may also omit sounds or substitute incorrect sounds, making their speech hard to understand. Other common symptoms include difficulty sequencing sounds and syllables, trouble moving smoothly between sounds, and frequent pauses or groping-like mouth movements as they try to “find” the right shape for a sound. Children with CAS may also develop simplified speech patterns to compensate, often using fewer words or shorter phrases than peers their age.

CAS can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may become more noticeable as children start combining words into sentences. Some children may also struggle with intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns, leading to speech that sounds flat or “choppy.” Frustration is common because these children typically understand language well but cannot express themselves clearly. At Primary Pathways Speech and Language Services, our highly trained speech-language pathologists specialize in evaluating and treating childhood apraxia of speech using evidence-based, motor-planning therapy techniques. With personalized intervention, consistent practice, and family involvement, we help children improve their speech clarity, confidence, and overall ability to communicate.