When a child has difficulty coordinating the movements needed for speech, it can make communication feel effortful and unclear. Understanding what’s behind these challenges is the first step toward meaningful progress.

What is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. It affects how the brain plans and coordinates the movements needed for speech.

Children with CAS know what they want to say, but their brain has difficulty sending the correct signals to the mouth to produce sounds and words clearly.

Signs your child may need speech therapy

• Difficulty combining sounds into words

• Inconsistent speech errors (says the same word differently each time)

• Speech that is difficult to understand

• Limited sound or word repertoire

• Groping or effortful movements when trying to speak

• Trouble imitating sounds or words

• Delayed speech development

What speech therapy looks like

• Frequent, structured practice of sounds and words

• Focus on motor planning and sequencing of speech movements

• Repetition to build consistency and accuracy

• Visual and tactile cues to support learning

• Gradual progression from sounds → words → phrases

• Parent support and strategies for practice at home

When to reach out

• Your child is very difficult to understand

• Speech seems inconsistent or unpredictable

• Progress in speech development is slow

• You have concerns about how your child produces words

👉 Early and consistent support is especially important for children with apraxia.

Serving families in Portland, Oregon

Speech therapy services for children in Portland and surrounding areas.