Developmental apraxia is a speech problem that makes it hard for kids to talk clearly. It’s not about understanding words, but about the mouth having trouble making the right movements to form them.
Developmental apraxia is a speech problem that makes it hard for kids to talk clearly. It’s not about understanding words, but about the mouth having trouble making the right movements to form them.
How is Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS) diagnosed?
Diagnosis of DAS involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who assesses the child’s speech production abilities, coordination, and other relevant factors to determine the presence of DAS.
Can children outgrow Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS) on their own?
While some children may show improvement over time, DAS typically requires targeted speech therapy interventions for significant progress. Early intervention and consistent therapy greatly increase the chances of improvement.
How long does speech therapy for Developmental Apraxia of Speech typically last?
The duration of speech therapy for DAS varies depending on the individual’s needs and progress. It can range from several months to a few years, with regular therapy sessions tailored to the child’s specific goals.
Developmental apraxia of speech (DAS), also known as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), is a neurological disorder affecting the motor planning and execution of speech movements. It impairs a child’s ability to sequence and produce speech sounds, syllables, and words, despite having normal muscle strength and tone. DAS is relatively rare, affecting approximately 1-2 children per 1,000.
Parents should watch for these common symptoms of developmental apraxia:
| Age | Potential Signs |
|---|---|
| Infants | Limited cooing, babbling |
| Toddlers | Few words, hard to understand |
| Preschoolers | Difficulty with sentences, sounds jumbled |
If you notice these signs, talk to your pediatrician about a speech evaluation. Early detection can lead to better outcomes for kids with developmental apraxia.
This post was originally published on June 22, 2023. It was updated on June 30, 2024.
