Helping Children With Speech Disorders

Every child's speech journey is different.

What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (also known as Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia or Verbal Dyspraxia) is a motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.

This isn’t about weakness in the muscles, it’s about how the brain sends messages to the mouth, lips, jaw, and tongue to produce clear, consistent sounds.

Children with CAS are often difficult to understand, especially when speaking spontaneously. In many cases, only close family members may be able to reliably understand what they’re trying to say.

Some children have a milder form of CAS, while others are more significantly affected. CAS is considered relatively rare and appears more commonly in boys than girls.

Common Signs of CAS

  • Be hard to understand, even when using familiar words

  • Struggle to copy words or sentences, even when modelled for them

  • Say the same word in different ways each time

  • Find shorter words easier than longer or more complex ones

  • Speak with a choppy or jumpy rhythm, and may stress the wrong syllables

  • Have trouble coordinating breathing, voice, and speech sounds

  • Feel frustrated or shy when they’re not understood

  • Experience additional communication difficulties, such as language delay

How We Support Children with CAS

At Serennu Therapies, we take a compassionate, whole-child approach to supporting children with CAS.

Here’s what you can expect from working with us:

Individualised therapy plans

designed around your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals

Close collaboration

With parents and carers to ensure consistent support at home and in daily routines

Evidence-based techniques and frameworks

Use of evidence-based techniques and frameworks specifically tailored for treating motor speech difficulties.

Consideration and implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

where appropriate, to support your child’s confidence and reduce frustration while working on speech

Our goal is to help your child feel heard, understood, and empowered to express themselves, in whatever way works best for them.

What Next?

If your child is showing signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech, or if you’re concerned about their speech clarity, we’re here to help.

Let’s talk through your concerns and explore how we can support your child’s communication journey.

Book a FREE 15-minute call with one of our therapists.

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