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What is apraxia (childhood apraxia of speech) in speech therapy?

A motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. The child knows what they want to say but their brain struggles to tell their mouth how to move. Example: A child who knows what they want to say but struggles to get the words out consistently.

🩺Speech & Language Disorders

Apraxia (Childhood Apraxia of Speech)

What is apraxia (childhood apraxia of speech) in speech therapy?

A motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. The child knows what they want to say but their brain struggles to tell their mouth how to move.

Example

A child who knows what they want to say but struggles to get the words out consistently.

🔊 Inconsistent speech attempts

⚠️ When to Seek Help

Consider consulting a speech-language pathologist if:

  • Your child is frustrated or avoids speaking
  • Others have difficulty understanding your child
  • You notice regression (losing skills they had)
  • Your gut tells you something isn't right

Trust your instincts. Early evaluation is always better than waiting.

How can I help my child with apraxia (childhood apraxia of speech)?

Our repetitive, predictable vehicle sounds support motor planning practice.

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About this guide: This glossary is designed to help parents understand speech therapy terminology. Definitions are simplified for clarity and informed by resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Not medical advice: This information is educational only. For concerns about your child's speech development, consult a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).Find an SLP near you →

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Parents Also Ask

What is childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)?▼

CAS is a motor speech disorder—the brain has trouble coordinating the precise movements needed for speech. Unlike other speech disorders, the issue isn't muscle weakness or not knowing words. The child knows what to say but struggles to plan the movements.

What are signs of apraxia in toddlers?▼

Signs include: limited babbling as a baby, few first words, inconsistent errors (saying a word differently each time), difficulty imitating sounds, groping mouth movements when trying to speak, and better understanding than speaking.

Can apraxia be cured?▼

CAS requires intensive, specialized speech therapy but children can make excellent progress. It's not "cured" but managed—many children with CAS develop functional, clear speech with proper intervention. Early, intensive therapy is key.

How is apraxia different from a speech delay?▼

Speech delay: child develops speech slowly but follows typical patterns. Apraxia: child has motor planning difficulties causing inconsistent errors, groping, and difficulty with imitation. Apraxia requires specialized therapy approaches.

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Related Terms

Motor Planning

The brain's ability to plan and sequence muscle movements for speech. Difficulty with motor planning is called apraxia. Repetitive practice helps build motor plans.

Speech Sound Disorder

When a child has ongoing difficulty producing speech sounds correctly, making their speech hard to understand. This is different from normal developmental patterns that resolve on their own.

Dysarthria

A motor speech disorder caused by muscle weakness—speech may sound slurred, slow, or quiet. Different from apraxia (planning issue). Often caused by neurological conditions.

More Speech & Language Disorders

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Speech Sound DisorderPhonological DisorderStutteringEcholaliaDysarthria

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Support Your Child's Speech Development

Little Wheels apps use vehicle-based learning to make speech practice engaging and fun. Perfect for home practice between therapy sessions.

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