Signs of Apraxia and its treatment

Published: 18 Nov 2022 Tagged: apraxiacase managementChild Apraxia of Speechdyspraxiamotor speech disorderNuffield Dyspraxia ProgrammeRapid Syllable Transition TreatmentReSTSpeakablespeech and language pathologyspeech disorderspeech language pathologistspeech pathologistSpeech Pathologyspeech therapy

Apraxia is also referred to as Dyspraxia or Child Apraxia of Speech (CAS).It is a motor speech disorder. The brain has difficulty communicating to the parts of the body that are used to produce speech, such as the lips, jaw and tongue. The causes of Apraxia are neurological in nature. However, in most cases, the definite cause of Apraxia is unknown. Apraxia impacts on the speaker’s ability to coordinate and sequence their speech muscles.

The signs and symptoms of Apraxia can vary, however common features include

• unusual rhythm and inflections,
• producing syllables and words inconsistently (differently each time) and
• difficulty transitioning from one syllable to another.

The only way to treat Apraxia with consistency and effectiveness is through a formal treatment plan from a speech and language pathology specialist. Speakable, for example, employs the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme for children aged 3-7 years, as well as the Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST).

1. Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme: Frequent and focused practice sessions (such as 3-4 times per week), at Speakable and at home, can increase the chances of success in therapy. Within the program, the Speech Pathologist builds on the child’s strengths, such as the sounds and words they can already produce. For example, therapy may begin targeting syllables the child can produce, and in due course, build up to word combinations and sentences.
2. Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST): The ReST treatment uses non words to allow individuals to concentrate on their movements, and remove the impact of old words which already have errors and allows clinicians to make words specifically for each individual’s needs.

By contacting Speakable you have already taken the first steps to help your child make progress with Apraxia. If your child is currently non-verbal due to Apraxia, do not shy away from using gestures, sign language, and visual cues. This will not hinder their speech development and can help reduce frustration when they are trying to communicate a message. Practice, practice, practice! Speak to your therapist to be advised on how you can incorporate therapy into every day activities.