Find Support for Childhood Apraxia
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a rare and complex motor-speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to coordinate the movements needed for speech. This speech delay affects how the brain can plan and send correct signals to the mouth muscles that produce sound.
Apraxia is estimated to impact 1–2 children per 1,000 according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), though research continues to evolve as awareness increases. Early signs can show up as difficulty coordinating sounds, inconsistent speech patterns, or trouble moving smoothly between syllables.
According to Apraxia Kids, childhood apraxia refers to a disconnect between the brain and the muscles required for speech. The child may understand language well but struggle to physically produce words with accuracy and consistency.
Children with CAS may show challenges such as difficulty imitating sounds, limited babbling as infants, unusual pauses between sounds, or appearing to “try” to speak without the sounds coming out clearly. Because symptoms can overlap with other language or speech conditions, diagnosis should always be made by a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP).
It is important to always consult with a pediatrician or primary doctor first to ensure speech challenges aren’t related to other underlying medical or developmental factors. A proper evaluation helps determine whether speech delay, apraxia, or another communication disorder is present, ensuring the right supports are put in place.
The encouraging reality is that with early, consistent intervention, many children make meaningful progress. Evidence-based treatment for CAS is most effective when it includes motor-speech approaches provided by a trained pediatric speech therapist. Structured therapy, frequent practice, and supportive communication techniques help children develop clearer speech and reduce frustration.
Parents often benefit from working with a pediatric speech specialist who can model strategies, create home practice routines, and support healthy communication habits through everyday play and interaction.
Childhood apraxia is not a reflection of intelligence or cognitive ability. With the right expert, the right tools, and a supportive environment, many toddlers and young children improve their speech significantly over time and build strong communication skills for life.
When to Seek Speech Support for Your Toddler
You can connect with pediatric speech support specialists on demand on the MissPoppins platform. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to seek an evaluation directly from a pediatric speech therapist:
Limited babbling during infancy or very few sounds early on
Difficulty imitating sounds or words
Words that sound different each time your child says them
Trouble moving smoothly between sounds (example: pa-pa-pa vs. pa-ta-ka)
Frustration when trying to communicate or frequent “meltdowns” around speech
Speech clarity does not improve over months
Pediatrician recommends monitoring speech, but concerns persist
Your intuition tells you something isn’t progressing as expected
For parents, being proactive about seeking help is key. A pediatric speech therapist will be able to thoroughly diagnose speech impediments early on. Although non-curable, therapy will significantly improve apraxia of speech.
Get Support From a Pediatric Speech Specialist
Support during early communication development doesn’t need to rely on long nights Googling symptoms or guessing what exercises to do. MissPoppins connects parents with certified pediatric speech specialists and child development experts who can help with:
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)
Speech delays
Late talkers
Motor-speech planning support
At-home practice routines for development
A specialist can help you understand next steps, create routines that fit real life, and help your child build strong communication skills from the start.
Connect with a pediatric speech specialist 24/7 on MissPoppins to confidently support your child’s communication journey.