As a school leader, chances are you have had or will have a student in your school who struggles with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This post comes to us from Allison Jones, parent in the Arlington School District, who shares tips for supporting students (and their parents) who are diagnosed with Apraxia of Speech.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), sometimes called verbal dyspraxia, is a neurological motor processing speech disorder in which the brain has trouble getting the tongue, lips, and jaw to move correctly for speaking. These kids know what they want to say but can’t coordinate the muscle movements needed to make the correct sounds, syllables, and words. Essentially to some, it may feel as though their words are trapped inside their mind. I often simplify this by explaining there is a pathway blocked from their brain to their mouth and the only way to correct this is with years and years of speech therapy. There is no cure; these kids just learn new strategies for coping.
Speech therapy creates a new path in their brain to allow them to communicate. An analogy I really like that was explained to me is this: It’s like going for a walk in the woods, but you're creating a new path that has never been walked before. At first there is lots of clearing out, but the more times you walk down the path, the more the trail becomes concrete.
Not everyone is aware of this speech disorder. As parents come into the school year with a child who has a new or recent diagnosis, they may be terrified and overwhelmed sending their child to public school knowing they struggle to communicate. As principals and school administrators, it is important to have a brief understanding of CAS and how you can support these students and advise their teachers.
Promote Apraxia Awareness Month
Apraxia Awareness Month is in May and Apraxia Awareness day is May 14th. My child’s school does Apraxia Awareness Day (“wear blue”) and was able to add the Jordan Levan trilogy book series to library instruction during the month of May.
Be Open-Minded about Communication Tools
Last year, I requested a communication board for my child’s school playground and the district approved this request for all elementary school playgrounds. I also requested a communication log to know what my child is doing daily and to help know what questions to ask and have some context to her answers. (With my daughter, context is so helpful.)
Some students will go into school with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. These kids often feel nervous and embarrassed when using these devices, and may need extra encouragement and support to prevent being ostracized or bullied. Some kids may use picture cards or sign language, while others may not have any access to that at all.
Show Patience to CAS Students
One of the most helpful pieces of advice that was brought to my attention is to not interrupt these kids when they are trying to speak. Students with CAS may take longer to process what’s being said, and may take longer to answer while figuring out how to get their words out.
I have received many requests for tips for principals and educators around supporting students with CAS, but this bit of advice from a parent stuck out to me the most:
“From the time [these students] walk onto the bus or through the door, they are expected to do the hardest thing in the world for them by people who are not family. It's a very stressful thing for even the most laid-back kiddo, and it is exhausting. They often don't have the mental or physical energy by lunch, recess, or free choice time to spend trying to figure out how to keep communicating. They are not being antisocial or lazy when they don't want to do something, they are tired and stressed. Give them space.”
My daughter's teacher also shares these words of advice about supporting students with CAS:
"In my opinion, familiarizing oneself with the ins and outs of CAS is important, but continuous communication with family is paramount. Knowing a child’s background, preferences, likes, dislikes, and personality is key for making connections that are part of the foundation that builds positive relationships to foster supportive learning and classroom culture that is unique to each school year."
Learn More and Get Involved
Learn more about Childhood Apraxia of Speech on the Apraxia Kids website. A Walk for Apraxia is taking place in Washington state on September 28 in Arlington.