Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Intervention for Suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech in the Home Setting: What Families Need to Know


If your child has been diagnosed with or is suspected to have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), you may feel overwhelmed, unsure, or eager to know what therapy looks like—and how you can help your child at home. The good news is with early, consistent intervention tailored to your child’s needs, children with apraxia can make meaningful progress in their ability to speak clearly and confidently.

What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?


Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a rare motor speech disorder. In CAS, the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed for speech, even though the muscles themselves are not weak.

Children with CAS know what they want to say, but their brains struggle to send the correct instructions to the mouth to make the sounds in the right order, rhythm, and timing.

Common signs include:

  • Inconsistent sound errors (saying a word differently each time)

  • Groping or struggle behaviors when trying to speak

  • Difficulty imitating words or sounds

  • Limited vocabulary for their age

  • Speech that’s hard for others to understand, even close family members

  • “ghost” words- new words a child imitates or produces, but never uses again

A formal diagnosis is typically made by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with experience in motor speech disorders, often after ongoing observation.

Why Early, Consistent Therapy Matters


CAS doesn’t improve with time or general language enrichment alone—it requires intensive, targeted intervention that focuses on motor planning. The earlier this therapy begins, the better the outcomes for the child’s speech clarity, confidence, and ability to participate socially and academically.

What Does CAS Intervention Look Like in the Home Setting?


Therapy for CAS should be individualized, high-frequency, and based in repetition and movement practice. When this happens in the child’s home—where they’re most comfortable—it can be even more effective and engaging. Here’s how:

1. Focused, Motor-Based Speech Practice

Children with CAS need to practice saying words, not just understanding or naming them. Home-based sessions focus on:

  • Practicing specific sound sequences or syllable shapes (e.g., “ma,” “mo,” “mama”)

  • Repeating functional, high-frequency words the child needs daily

  • Using multi-sensory cues (touch, visual, auditory) to support speech movement

  • Slowly increasing the complexity of words or phrases as the child improves

These sessions often involve 10–15 minutes of intense practice embedded into fun, play-based routines.

2. Emphasis on Repetition with Variety

For children with CAS, repetition is key—but not rote memorization. Therapy involves:

  • Repeating the same word in different activities (e.g., saying “go” during car play, then again during bubbles)

  • Practicing the same target with different intonations, volumes, or speeds

  • Ensuring the child gets many opportunities to practice each word with supportive cues and feedback

In the home, repetition happens naturally—getting dressed, brushing teeth, playing with toys—all become platforms for practice.

3. Use of Visual, Tactile, and Verbal Cues

To help the brain learn the correct motor plans, the SLP may use:

  • Touch cues (like PROMPT therapy techniques) to guide the child’s jaw, lips, or tongue placement

  • Visual cues such as gesture or mirror feedback

  • Verbal cues like slowing down, emphasizing a syllable, or breaking a word apart

Over time, as the child gains confidence and skill, these cues gradually fade.

4. Parent Coaching and Empowerment

In home-based therapy, parents are essential partners. The therapist will coach you to:

  • Use the same cues and techniques between sessions

  • Choose 3–5 target words to practice daily in natural routines

  • Provide clear, consistent models without pressure or over-correction

  • Celebrate approximations and effort, not just “perfect” words

This coaching may happen live during therapy or through video feedback, daily logs, or check-ins.

5. Play-Based and Functional Activities

Children learn best through play, and speech practice should feel fun—not frustrating. Examples of home-based CAS therapy activities include:

  • Playing with cars while practicing “go,” “up,” “stop”

  • Reading favorite books and pausing to have the child say predictable words

  • Building with blocks and saying target words like “on,” “more,” or “boom”

  • Singing songs with repetitive, simple sounds

The key is to keep practice short, motivating, and meaningful.

What Progress Looks Like

Progress in CAS therapy is often gradual, especially at first. You might see:

  • Improved consistency in how words are said

  • More accurate word shapes and sound combinations

  • Increased willingness to speak

  • Fewer struggle behaviors or frustration when trying to talk

It’s important to remember that every child’s journey is unique. Some children may move quickly through early targets, while others may need months of focused support before bigger gains appear.

Tips for Supporting Your Child at Home


Keep practice short and consistent: 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times per day is better than one long session.

  • Celebrate effort: Praise your child for trying, not just for saying it “right.”

  • Model without pressure: If your child struggles to imitate, you can say the word again and move on.

  • Use routines: Repeating the same words during dressing, meals, or bedtime builds familiarity.

  • Stay in touch with your SLP: Share videos, ask questions, and adjust goals together.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone


Navigating suspected childhood apraxia of speech can feel uncertain, but you don’t have to do it alone. With structured home-based therapy, consistent parent involvement, and a focus on meaningful practice, your child can learn to find their voice—one word at a time.

Whether your child has been diagnosed or you’re still seeking answers, early intervention in the comfort of your home can lay a strong foundation for clear, confident communication.

Looking for support with CAS at home?


We specialize in home-based intervention for motor speech challenges like childhood apraxia of speech. Contact us today to learn how we can guide your family through personalized therapy that fits into your life—and empowers your child every step of the way.