Episode 31: Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) with Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Symptoms and Challenges

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological speech sound disorder that makes it difficult for children to learn how to speak. It affects the precision and consistency of speech sound movements, leading to speech sound errors and disruptions in prosody. CAS is challenging to treat, and children with CAS often have a poor response to standard treatments for other speech disorders. They require intensive and frequent therapy sessions to make progress. Additionally, CAS is often accompanied by other comorbidities such as oral apraxia, language disorder, and motor deficits, making treatment even more complex and demanding.

Distinguishing CAS from Phonological Disorder

CAS and phonological disorders have distinct characteristics. Children with CAS exhibit inconsistent speech sound productions, where they may produce a word differently each time. They may also struggle with coarticulation and exhibit disrupted prosody. In contrast, children with phonological disorders demonstrate consistent patterns of speech sound errors and may be easier to understand due to predictable error patterns. Additionally, children with CAS may experience other speech and language difficulties, further complicating their communication abilities.

Prevalence and Impact of CAS

Childhood apraxia of speech affects approximately one to two children per thousand, making it relatively rare. However, it is not uncommon for speech pathologists to encounter children with CAS in their caseloads. CAS significantly impacts a child's social and academic experiences, as they struggle with effective communication. It also places a significant burden on parents and teachers who must navigate the challenges and obtain appropriate support for the child's unique needs.

Procedural Learning and CAS

Researchers are exploring the role of procedural learning deficits in children with CAS. Procedural learning is the process by which we implicitly learn patterns, including motor skills, grammar rules, and speech sounds. Preliminary findings suggest that children with CAS, particularly those with language impairments, exhibit poor procedural learning abilities. Investigating this aspect may help uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the diverse difficulties experienced by children with CAS. It also holds potential for developing more effective assessment tools and treatment approaches.

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Episode 31: Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) with Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Symptoms and Challenges

Distinguishing CAS from Phonological Disorder

Prevalence and Impact of CAS

Procedural Learning and CAS

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