Is your child struggling to communicate? Apraxia, a speech disorder, might be the reason. Discover what it is, how to recognize it, and ways to support your child’s journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Apraxia is a motor speech disorder where children know what they want to say but struggle to coordinate the muscle movements required for speech.
- Symptoms include inconsistent speech errors, difficulty imitating speech, and gaps between understanding and speaking.
- Early diagnosis and speech therapy are essential for improving communication skills.
- Fun, engaging exercises can help your child practice speech patterns at home.
What is apraxia in kids? Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for kids to plan and coordinate the muscle movements needed for speaking. This results in inconsistent speech patterns and challenges with pronunciation. Speech therapy can help.
Table of Contents
What is Apraxia?
Above all, let’s start with the basics. Apraxia is a motor speech disorder that impacts a child’s ability to speak intelligibly. In other words, kids with apraxia have difficulty coordinating the muscle movements needed to form words.
Signs & Symptoms of Apraxia
So, how do you identify if your child might have apraxia? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Difficulty putting sounds and syllables together in the correct order to form words
- Making inconsistent sound errors
- Struggling to say longer words or complex phrases
Read more: 3 Celebrities with Apraxia of Speech
Types of Apraxia in Children
Let’s clarify the two main types of Apraxia that affect kids.
1. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
- Primarily affects children under age 8
- Can persist into adolescence and adulthood
- Characterized by inconsistent errors, difficulty with sound sequences, and altered rhythm and inflection.
2. Acquired Apraxia of Speech
- Occurs after a brain injury or stroke
- Can happen at any age
- Characterized by inconsistent errors and difficulty forming words.
Apraxia vs. Other Speech Disorders
But how does apraxia differ from other speech disorders? In short, apraxia affects the motor skills required for speech. Other speech disorders could be linked to muscular strength, coordination, or cognitive development. That is to say, every speech disorder is different and requires a different approach.
Read more: How to Help Do Speech Therapy at Home
Apraxia Test: How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosing apraxia involves a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. They’ll consider your child’s speech and motor skills, language development, and other factors. Try out Goally’s apraxia test included in this blog for a deeper understanding.
Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child
Above all, remember that your child’s journey with apraxia is not something they must navigate alone. As a parent, there’s so much you can do to help. Try these strategies to assist your child in overcoming their speech difficulties:
- Speech Therapy: This is the most common treatment for apraxia. A speech-language pathologist can provide exercises and techniques tailored to your child’s needs.
- Home Practice: Reinforce what your child learns in therapy at home. Practice makes perfect, after all.
- Patience and Encouragement: Your child may feel frustrated. Offer support, understanding, and lots of encouragement.
- Goally’s Skill Building Tablet: This tool can help your child practice daily routines, manage time, and build self-confidence.
Goally | Apps that Teach Kids AAC & Core Words
Is your child facing challenges in expressing themselves or communicating effectively? Goally has one of the best language language learning apps for kids to support their journey in building essential communication skills!
The Word Lab and AAC Talker apps provide a simple, engaging platform for your child to learn core words and become a functional communicator right from the start. Customize the experience with a voice that suits them, and watch as their confidence grows in expressing their thoughts and needs!
Understanding and navigating apraxia can be an exciting adventure, much like piecing together a wonderful puzzle! With the right knowledge, professional guidance, and helpful tools like Goally’s Skill Building Tablet, you can empower your child’s communication journey. Keep in mind, you’re never alone on this journey; every small step forward is a fabulous victory worth celebrating!
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FAQs about Apraxia Test
What is an apraxia test for kids?
An apraxia test assesses a child's ability to plan and produce speech sounds accurately.
How do speech therapists diagnose apraxia?
Speech therapists use observation, oral-motor exams, and speech sound tests to diagnose apraxia.
Can apraxia be diagnosed at home?
Apraxia requires a professional evaluation and cannot be diagnosed at home.
What are common signs of apraxia in children?
Children with apraxia often show inconsistent speech errors and difficulty imitating sounds.
Is there a cure for childhood apraxia of speech?
While there is no cure, speech therapy helps improve communication skills significantly.
This post was originally published on 9/2/2023. It was updated on 11/22/2024.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.