At Occkid Pediatric Therapy Center, we often meet parents who are concerned about their child’s speech development—especially when the child is on the autism spectrum and has limited verbal communication. One condition that can significantly impact speech in autistic children is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This motor speech disorder makes it difficult for children to plan and coordinate the movements needed to speak, even when they know what they want to say.
In this blog, we break down what speech apraxia is, how to identify it in children with autism, and the evidence-based therapies we use at Occkid to help children find their voice.
What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech is not caused by muscle weakness or paralysis, but by a breakdown in the brain’s ability to plan and send the correct signals to the muscles involved in speech. As a result, children may struggle to say words correctly and consistently—even though they may understand language well.
In autistic children, CAS can sometimes be overlooked due to overlapping communication challenges. However, with the right diagnosis and therapy, children with CAS can make significant progress.
Signs to Watch For
Here are some signs of speech apraxia in children with autism:
- Difficulty imitating sounds and words
- Inconsistent errors when speaking
- Groping or searching movements with the mouth
- Trouble with longer or more complex words
- A noticeable gap between what the child understands and what they can say
- Limited early babbling or vocal play
Early detection and intervention are key to helping children overcome these challenges.
Diagnosis at Occkid
At Occkid, our expert Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) conduct detailed evaluations to determine if a child has apraxia of speech. We use a combination of structured assessments and play-based interactions to observe:
- Imitation skills
- Sound sequencing
- Speech rhythm and melody
- Oral motor movements
This helps us design a customized therapy plan tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Our Therapy Approaches
We use a combination of therapies that are research-backed and proven effective for children with speech apraxia, especially those also diagnosed with autism.
1. PROMPT Therapy
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) is a tactile-kinesthetic approach where therapists apply gentle touch cues on the face to guide speech movements. This helps the child feel and learn how to shape their mouth for specific sounds.
2. Imitation-Based Therapy
Imitation is the foundation of language development. We work with children to imitate sounds, syllables, and simple words using gestures, play, and visual cues. These fun and engaging methods encourage participation and build confidence.
3. Phonetic Derivation
We begin with sounds the child can already produce and gradually build on them to form more complex speech. For example, if a child says “oo,” we might help them transition to “moo” or “food.”
4. Rhythmic and Melodic Treatment
Using rhythm, tapping, or singing can help children coordinate speech better. Techniques like Melodic Intonation Therapy use music and rhythm to improve speech fluency and memory.
Support Beyond the Clinic
We involve parents and caregivers in every step of therapy. Our team at Occkid provides home programs and practical strategies to support speech development in everyday routines.
Let’s Work Together to Help Your Child Speak Confidently
Every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves. With early intervention, specialized therapy, and a supportive environment, children with speech apraxia and autism can achieve meaningful progress in communication.
📍 Occkid Pediatric Therapy Center
Siddharth Nagar, Main Road, Berhampur 📞 Contact: 9853-999-128
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