9. Slow Progress Despite Regular Therapy: The Challenge of Overcoming CAS
While speech therapy can significantly benefit children with various speech and language disorders, children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech often show slow progress despite regular therapy. This is not due to a lack of effort or motivation on the child’s part, but rather a reflection of the complex nature of CAS.
CAS affects the child’s motor planning system, which is crucial for coordinating the precise movements needed for speech. Improvements in motor planning often require intensive, consistent, and long-term intervention. As a result, children with CAS often need more therapy sessions compared to children with other types of speech disorders.
However, slow progress should not be mistaken for a lack of progress. While the journey might be long and demanding, children with CAS can, and do, make meaningful improvements in their speech. Every small step forward is a testament to their resilience and determination, and each achievement, no matter how small, brings them closer to their ultimate goal of effective communication. (9)
