Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Speech Avenue - Pediatric Speech Pathology Clinic in Tustin, CA

Understanding the Journey—and Walking It Together

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor-based speech disorder that makes it difficult for a child to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. A child with CAS might know exactly what they want to say—but their brain has trouble sending the right signals to the muscles of the mouth to say the words clearly and consistently.

This can make their speech especially hard to understand with longer words or unfamiliar phrases. It’s not caused by muscle weakness or hearing problems, and it’s nobody’s fault.

What matters is that with the right kind of speech therapy, children with CAS can make meaningful progress—and we’re here to support that journey every step of the way.

Speech Therapy For Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Therapy for CAS is highly structured, yet play-based and engaging. We focus on the motor patterns needed to speak—practicing how to move from one sound to the next, not just saying individual sounds.

Our sessions may include:

Repetition of meaningful target words and phrases
High levels of cueing and modeling (visual, tactile, auditory)
Support that adjusts as your child builds independence
Activities that are fun, motivating, and emotionally meaningful

We often begin with a warm-up to help your child feel focused and ready. Then, we break target words into small, achievable steps, using supportive cues and gradually fading them as your child becomes more confident.

These words are carefully chosen: often names, favorite items, or parts of daily routines—things that matter most to your child.

Tools and Approaches We Use

Every child is different, and we tailor therapy to fit your child’s needs. Some of the methods we may use include:

PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets): A tactile-kinesthetic technique using gentle touch to guide oral movements

Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol: A motor-speech hierarchy that simplifies words to help children build coordination

Traditional articulation techniques to target individual speech sounds

When needed, we also incorporate AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to reduce frustration and give your child a way to communicate while speech is still developing. This could be a picture board, simple signs, or a speech app on a tablet. AAC doesn’t replace speech—it supports it, helping your child feel successful and heard.

Our Focus

Dedicated Approach to Early Support

Personalized Attention

Engaging Methods

Therapy Tools

Partnering with Families

We truly view parents and caregivers as part of the team. During each session, we:

Welcome you to observe
Explain the strategies we’re using and why they help
Offer simple, practical tips for home practice

You don’t need special training to support your child—just a little guidance, and that’s what we’re here for.

A Journey of Growth

It’s incredibly rewarding to meet a young child who is mostly using vowel sounds or gestures to communicate—and to walk with them and their families as they gradually grow in clarity, confidence, and connection.

Every child’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. But with consistent support, caring guidance, and lots of encouragement, children with CAS can find their voice—and use it with pride.