In order to speak, the brain develops the message then sends signals to the muscles of the tongue and jaw to convey the intended message. When a child has apraxia of speech, this communication is interrupted, meaning they form a coherent message in their head but have difficulty getting their mouth to say the words. It can occur even when jaw and tongue muscles are healthy.
Here are some symptoms of CAS for children under three:
- Does not babble or coo.
- Delayed first words.
- Makes limited types of sounds.
- Says the same word in different ways.
- Has difficulty eating.
Here are some symptoms of CAS for children over three:
- Has better understanding than speech.
- Has difficulty imitating others.
- Moves mouth multiple times to make single sound.
- Has extra difficulty speaking when nervous.
- Is difficult to understand.
- Voice sounds choppy or flat.
In most cases, the cause of CAS is unknown. It is important if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms to have a hearing test and speech assessment by a speech-language pathologist.The treatment for CAS is speech therapy with an SLP.
Call Topeka ENT at 785-233-0500 for more information or to schedule an appointment.