Working Together
Part 2: Treatment for Apraxia
Rogers Bridge » Working Together, Part 2: Treatment for Apraxia
Our previous blog explained what apraxia of speech is and looks like, as well as different elements that may be involved in therapy for apraxia.
This month, we are expanding that information to include signs of apraxia in addition to other needs that a person with apraxia may have.
Treatment of apraxia requires a skilled speech therapist that understands childhood apraxia of speech and the many components that need to be addressed during therapy. Apraxia affects the planning and coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate that is required to produce speech sounds. Children with CAS (Childhood Apraxia of Speech) know what they want to say, but they have difficulty saying it.
How do I know if my child has apraxia? There are many different signs of apraxia of speech and signs can vary from child to child. Here are some common signs:
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Limited babbling and little variation in babbling.
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Inconsistent production or difficulty producing certain speech sounds and words.
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Difficulty with speech rhythm and timing.
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Slow or effortful speech.
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Limited vocabulary or difficulty with word retrieval.
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Difficulty progressing towards more difficult words or longer utterances.
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Vowel errors and distortions.
The treatment of apraxia typically involves a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach that includes speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and possibly physical therapy. While some children only have apraxia of speech, other children may have difficulties with motor planning throughout their whole body. For these children, occupational and/or physical therapy is a common element of the treatment plan.
The goal of treatment is to help the child develop the ability to plan and execute the precise movements required for speech production and improve their overall communication abilities.
Here are some common approaches for treating CAS:
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Speech therapy: The mainstay of treatment for CAS is speech therapy. When treating apraxia, the focus is on helping the child develop the ability to plan and execute the precise movements required for speech production. Therapists should work on syllable shapes rather than specific sounds. The SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) may use techniques such as imitation, modeling, visual cues, verbal cues, and tactile cues to help the child develop motor planning skills.
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Language therapy: individuals with apraxia commonly have difficulty with their language skills as they may be unable to use phrases or sentences. Smaller words are commonly removed from sentences and words may be used incorrectly. Language therapy focuses on improving the child’s overall communication abilities, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
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Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC): This method uses tools such as sign language, picture boards, and electronic devices to support speech production. AAC is commonly used early on in the therapy process as it help decrease frustration and increases a child’s ability to communicate with others. While some children with severe CAS may need AAC for longer periods of time, many children with apraxia are able to verbally communicate when the appropriate treatment plans are used.
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Occupational Therapy: Children with apraxia may also benefit from occupational therapy (OT), which focuses on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, and visual perception. These skills can help support speech development of skills necessary for oral motor movements.
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Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may also be recommended to help children with apraxia improve their balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. This can help support the development of oral-motor skills required for speech production.
Treatment for CAS is often a long-term process, and progress may be slow and incremental. The success of therapy will depend on the severity of the disorder, the age of the child, and the consistency of therapy. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, however, children with CAS can make significant progress and improve their communication abilities.
The exact cause of CAS is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some possible causes of CAS include:
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Brain injury or damage
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Premature birth
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Exposure to toxins or infections during pregnancy
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Neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder
Working with Your Child's Speech Therapist
If your child has been diagnosed with CAS, it is important to work closely with their speech therapist. The speech therapist will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your child's individual needs. You can also play a role in your child's treatment by providing them with opportunities to practice their speech at home.
Here are some tips for working with your child's speech therapist:
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Attend all your child's therapy sessions.
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Ask the speech therapist questions about your child's progress.
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Provide your child with opportunities to practice their speech at home.
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Be patient and supportive.
Working together with your child's speech therapist, you can help your child improve their speech and communication skills.
If you are concerned about your child’s language or sound development, please give us a call. We offer free phone consultations to help determine if a speech language evaluation is appropriate for your child.
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"I am so thankful to have Mrs Cristina to be my son Speech Therapist. Since we worked with her, his speech improved tremendously. She is passionate about her job. She willing to come to work early to fit our schedule and always prepare everything before the session. Highly recommend her and Rogers Bridge Therapy. Everyone is so friendly and know what they are doing to help our children. thank you Cristina for the time that you were helping my son Theodore." – Trihn