Childhood Apraxia of Speech Therapy in Myrtle Beach, SC

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is one of the most challenging — and most misunderstood — speech disorders in children. Children with CAS know what they want to say, but their brain has difficulty sending the right signals to coordinate the movements needed for speech. The result is inconsistent sound production, difficulty imitating words, and sometimes significant frustration for a child who has so much to express.

At Communication Cottage Therapy, our speech-language pathologists are trained in the assessment and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech, using evidence-based motor learning approaches to help children in Myrtle Beach and across Horry County build the speech motor skills they need.

What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?

CAS is a motor speech disorder — not a language disorder or an articulation disorder — though children with apraxia may also have co-occurring language challenges. In CAS, the brain has difficulty planning and programming the movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw needed for clear, consistent speech.

Key characteristics of CAS include:

  • Inconsistency: a child may say a word correctly once, but not be able to reproduce it reliably
  • More errors on longer or more complex words and phrases
  • Better automatic speech (learned phrases, songs) than volitional speech
  • Groping or searching movements of the mouth when trying to produce sounds
  • Difficulty imitating words, even simple ones
  • Prosody differences — unusual rhythm, stress, or rate of speech

How CAS Is Different From Other Speech Disorders

CAS is often confused with phonological disorders (difficulty with the rules of sounds) or dysarthria (muscle weakness affecting speech). However, CAS is specifically a motor planning and programming deficit. Accurate differential diagnosis by an experienced SLP is critical, because the treatment approaches differ significantly.

If your child has received unclear or contradictory diagnoses, or if you’ve been told they’ll “grow out of it” without seeing meaningful progress, it may be worth requesting a CAS-specific evaluation.

Evidence-Based CAS Treatment

Treating CAS requires frequent, intensive, and highly specific motor learning-based therapy. General language therapy or articulation drill is not sufficient. Our SLPs use approaches supported by current research, which may include:

  • Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) — a motor learning approach with high levels of feedback and cueing
  • Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme (NDP3) — a structured, hierarchical approach to building speech motor patterns
  • ReST (Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment) — targeting multi-syllable words and prosody
  • Motor learning principles — using varied practice, reduced feedback over time, and blocked/random practice schedules

Frequency and Consistency Matter

Because CAS is a motor learning challenge — similar to learning a complex physical skill — frequency and consistency of practice are essential. Research recommends at least 3 sessions per week during intensive phases for many children with CAS. Our family-centered model makes that kind of consistent, accessible scheduling far easier for families as we offer services where it is most convenient for you – home, clinic or daycare. 

We also provide practice guidance in every session, empowering parents to practice with their child daily in ways that are manageable and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children with CAS use AAC?

Yes — and we strongly support it. AAC (picture boards, devices) can reduce frustration, support language development, and in no way prevents verbal speech from improving. Many children with CAS benefit from a multimodal approach that includes both verbal and AAC strategies.

CAS treatment is typically a longer journey than other speech disorders. Many children make significant progress over months of consistent, intensive therapy, though the timeline varies widely based on severity, frequency of sessions, and home practice with a parent/caregiver. Early identification and intensive intervention produce the best outcomes.

Request a CAS Evaluation

Our experienced SLPs can conduct a differential diagnosis and determine the right treatment approach for your child. Reach out to get started.

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