THERAPY SERVICES

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Therapy

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), also referred to as Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia, is a rare but significant speech sound disorder.

At Nurture Speech, we are able to provide expert assessment and therapy for CAS.

What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?

CAS is a motor speech disorder where children have difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed for speech.

This is not due to muscle weakness but rather the brain struggling to send the correct signals to the muscles involved in speaking. As a result, children with CAS may have inconsistent speech errors, difficulty with the rhythm and intonation of speech, and problems imitating words despite understanding them.

Prevalence and Diagnosis

CAS is rare and often misunderstood, making accurate diagnosis essential. While it tends to be over-diagnosed, only a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with specific training and experience in CAS can provide a reliable diagnosis.

At Nurture Speech, our lead therapist, Sophie Williams, has the expertise to assess and diagnose

Functional Impact on Development

CAS can significantly impact a child’s development. Challenges in communication may affect learning, social interactions, and self-esteem. Early and effective intervention is crucial to help children build the skills they need to express themselves confidently.

Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) highlights the importance of evidence-based treatments for CAS. Sophie Williams has completed postgraduate training in two of the most effective therapy methods for CAS:

Dynamic and Temporal Tactile Cueing (DTTC): This approach emphasises repetitive practice, visual and tactile cues, and carefully guided motor learning to improve speech accuracy. DTTC is most effective for children with severe CAS.
Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST): Designed to address speech prosody and improve the transitions between sounds and syllables, ReST has been shown to significantly enhance speech outcomes. ReST is most effective for children with mild-moderate CAS.

Sophie is also experienced in the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme, another highly respected intervention for children with CAS.

Why CAS Therapy is Unique

Therapy for CAS is distinct because it focuses on motor learning principles, requiring high-frequency, intensive practice.

Children benefit most from therapy sessions that are frequent and of high dosage, which sets this apart from other speech sound treatments.

Regular practice and consistent feedback are key to developing and consolidating speech motor skills.

How Nurture Speech Can Help?

At Nurture Speech, we provide:

Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessments:

Tailored to understand your child's specific needs and confirm a diagnosis of CAS.

Therapy Plans:

Evidence-based, individualised plans focusing on your child’s goals.

Reports for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs):

Supporting applications for funding to access vital therapy through education.

Your Partner in Progress

Our mission is to empower children with CAS to overcome communication barriers and reach their full potential. Through therapy and collaboration with your family and child’s education setting, we’re here to nurture your child’s voice and confidence.