Apraxia in Children

Childhood apraxia is a speech condition which makes it difficult for children to say certain words. The disorder is not caused by issues within the vocal cords, such as vocal fold nodules, rather it is a condition which begins in the brain. Children with Apraxia do not have the motor capability within their brains to be able to say the words or syllables. “The brain has problems planning to move the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech.” (ASHLA, 2013 np). The condition can be troubling for children as they know what they want to say however the brain is not allowing them to be able to say the words. The condition can result in behaviors difficulties as children experience frustration and may throw tantrums to get their needs met through nonverbal communication.

The causes of apraxia are largely unknown however theories have been posed regarding possible causes. If the child has been diagnosed at an early age genetic conditions can be seen as a possible cause. For children who have sustained a medical condition such as a stroke or have experienced a traumatic brain injury these traumatic events are considered possible causes of the condition. The lack of a cause can make Apraxia a difficult condition to prevent. There is also not a cure for the condition however through hard work and therapy a child can overcome the condition.

The signs of apraxia can begin even in infancy especially if a child does not babble or communicate in a developmentally appropriate manner. Children at a very young age are often not diagnosed with apraxia as most parents do not believe that there is something wrong with their child’s speech. Rather most parents will state that their child will begin to talk at their own rate. Apraxia can often be confused with other disorders in which language is delayed such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Apraxia also needs to be diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Before obtaining a diagnosis of apraxia all other medical conditions need to be ruled out first. A child’s hearing would need to be tested to ensure that there isn’t a hearing problem. A child’s vocal cords and throat would also need to be evaluated to ensure that the condition is occurring from the brain, which provides the diagnosis of Apraxia. 

Once diagnosed treatment can be provided to treat the condition. Studies have found that intensive speech therapy treatment is needed to make an impact on improving the condition. “Regarding the moderate versus high-frequency condition of practice, the researchers found that both children benefitted more from the high-frequency practice than they did the moderate frequency practice” (Apraxia-Kids, 2013 np). Children must receive services three times a week which involve conducting exercises that allow them to practice using their vocal muscles. Other methods such as teaching sign language can also be used to assist children who may be struggling with speech therapy. 

Apraxia can be a difficult condition for families and children to face. The condition can cause embarrassment for school-age children as they may be teased by their peers. Parents may have a difficult time understanding their children. The condition can also cause developmental delays in other areas. Language is the foundation for social-emotional development and apraxia can hinder the development. Apraxia can also hinder development in areas of fine motor and sensory skills. However through working with a speech-language pathologist, there is hope for families to be able manage and then eventually overcoming the condition. Families should be provided with realistic expectations while at the same time instilling hope for their children. Apraxia can be disheartening however it can be treated for any child whose parents are involved and working with them.

References

American Speech Language Hearing Association. (2013). Childhood apraxia of speech. ASLHA. Retrieved from <http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhoodapraxia.htm>

Apraxia-Kids. (2013). Learn about apraxia. Apraxia Kids Library. Retrieved from <http://www.apraxia-kids.org/learn-about-apraxia/>