Apraxia of Speech/Dyspraxia

Apraxia of Speech/Dyspraxia

What is it?

Apraxia of Speech, also known as Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS) or Dyspraxia, is a speech disorder in which a child struggles to say what he or she wants to say correctly and consistently. Both Apraxia and Dyspraxia involve a total or partial loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned purposeful movement, despite having the desire and the physical ability. It is not due to weakness of the muscles in the face, tongue or lips. The severity of Apraxia of speech can range from mild to severe. Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS) occurs in children and is present from birth. Children who suffer from Apraxia of Speech often suffer from Apraxia in other areas of the body as well. It appears to affect more boys than girls. DAS is different from what is known as a developmental delay of speech, in which a child follows the "typical" path of speech development but does so more slowly than normal.

Who can benefit from treatment?

• Children with Apraxia of Speech
• Children with Dyspraxia
• Children with Developmental Apraxia of Speech
• Children with developmental delays
• Children with speech-language difficulties

How can the Abilities Center help?

Children with Apraxia of Speech generally do not outgrow the problem on their own. Speech-language therapy is helpful for these children. Abilities Center Speech-language pathologists use different approaches to treat Apraxia of Speech. Therapy is tailored to the individual needs of each child and is designed to treat other speech or language problems that may occur together with Apraxia. Each child responds differently to therapy and all will progress at different rates. Children with Apraxia of Speech usually need frequent and intensive one-on-one therapy. Support and encouragement from family members, educators and friends are also important.

Major objectives of treating children with Apraxia/Dyspraxia are:

The Abilities Center will partner with parents and educators to develop an individual treatment plan for each child. Both long term and short term goals will be developed and used to assess progress. General goals may include fluency, voice, vocabulary, language processing and production and articulation.

Who works with children with Apraxia/Dyspraxia?

• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapists