# How Common Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Children?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-common-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-children
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

Childhood Apraxia of Speech is uncommon, affecting roughly 1 to 2 children in every 1,000, and is seen more often in boys and alongside some other developmental conditions. It is one of the harder speech difficulties to diagnose, so assessment by a speech-language therapist over more than one visit matters. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

*When words feel just out of reach for your child, knowing how many other families walk this path can be quietly reassuring — you are far from alone.*

## In short
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is considered an **uncommon** speech difficulty. Most estimates suggest it affects roughly **1 to 2 children in every 1,000** — so while it is far less common than everyday speech delays, it is a real and recognised condition with skilled, effective support available. It appears somewhat more often in boys, and is also seen more frequently in children who have other developmental or genetic conditions.

## Understanding the numbers
CAS is a **motor speech difficulty** — the brain has trouble planning and coordinating the precise muscle movements needed for clear speech, even though the child knows exactly what they want to say. Because of this, many children who are *first* thought to have CAS turn out, after careful assessment, to have a different kind of speech delay — and the reverse is also true. This is why the exact figure varies between studies.

A few helpful points to hold in mind:
- **It is uncommon, not rare** — around 1–2 in 1,000 children is the most widely cited estimate.
- **It is seen more often in boys** than girls.
- **It can occur alongside** other conditions, such as certain genetic differences or broader developmental needs, as well as entirely on its own.
- **A confident diagnosis takes time** — CAS is one of the trickier speech difficulties to identify, and is best assessed by a speech-language therapist over more than one visit.

What matters far more than the statistic is that CAS responds well to the *right kind* of speech therapy — frequent, motor-focused practice that helps the brain and mouth learn to work together.

## When to seek a check
Consider a speech-language check if your child says very few words for their age, is hard to understand even for family, struggles to imitate sounds or words, or seems to grope or search for how to move their mouth when trying to speak. Early support helps — you do not need a diagnosis to begin.

## The Pinnacle way
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or an online figure. From there your child receives a precise speech profile through a clinician-administered [structured assessment](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), and a plan built around motor-speech practice via our [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) support. You can also [explore how we help families](/) across 70+ centres.

## Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on Childhood Apraxia of Speech and its estimated prevalence; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) guidance on speech and language development.

**Next step —** Wondering whether your child's speech needs a closer look? [Book a speech assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate).

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- ASHA — Childhood Apraxia of Speech overview: https://www.asha.org
- AAP HealthyChildren.org — speech and language development: https://www.healthychildren.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Adaptive: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/adaptive
- Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support
- Plan: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/plan
- Special Education: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/special-education
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- How does Childhood Apraxia of Speech affect a child's daily life?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- What causes Childhood Apraxia of Speech in children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-children
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Early Childhood: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-and-what-does-it-look-like-in-early-childhood
- Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-considered-a-disability
- Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech Genetic or Hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-genetic-or-hereditary
- What are common myths about Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What are the types or levels of Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What Other Conditions Often Occur Alongside Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Early Intervention Outcomes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Under 7): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-children-under-7
- What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech and its ICD-11 features?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification of Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Can Childhood Apraxia of Speech be cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-be-cured
- Can Childhood Apraxia of Speech be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-be-prevented
- Do boys show Childhood Apraxia of Speech differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-differently
- Do girls show Childhood Apraxia of Speech differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-differently
- Should I be worried about Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-be-worried-my-child-might-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Early signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in a 1-year-old boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-1-year-old-boy
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in a 1-Year-Old Girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-1-year-old-girl
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 12–18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 18–24 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-18-to-24-month-old
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 2 Years: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-2-year-old
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at Age Two: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-2-year-old-boy

### Explore causes & influences
- How Childhood Apraxia of Speech Affects Communication Development: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-affect-a-child-s-communication-development
- Are Boys More Likely to Have Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Are girls more likely to have Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What Causes Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Young Children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children
- Early intervention for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: advancing UNCRPD and the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- Contributing factors for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-early-childhood
- Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children
- Prevalence and Public-Health Burden of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- How AbilityScore Tracks Progress in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- How Childhood Apraxia of Speech Is Assessed in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-assessed-in-a-young-child
- How Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech Assessed in Children Under 7?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-assessed-in-children-under-7
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 Means in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 100–200 means for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- AbilityScore 200–300 in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What does an AbilityScore of 300–400 mean for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 400–500 means for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 500–600 means in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What does an AbilityScore of 600–700 mean for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 700–800 means in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- AbilityScore 800–900 in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech

### Explore therapy & support
- What conditions can Childhood Apraxia of Speech be mistaken for?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-conditions-can-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-be-mistaken-for
- Will a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech learn to talk?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/will-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-learn-to-talk
- Are there successful adults who grew up with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-successful-adults-who-grew-up-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Does Childhood Apraxia of Speech Get Better or Worse?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-get-better-or-worse-as-a-child-grows
- How can a non-verbal child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech communicate?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-non-verbal-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-communicate
- How can we support adaptive development in a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-adaptive-development-in-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- How do I choose the right therapy for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-do-i-choose-the-right-therapy-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- How do I explain Childhood Apraxia of Speech to my child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-do-i-explain-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-to-my-child
- How do I support the siblings of a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-do-i-support-the-siblings-of-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- If one child has Childhood Apraxia of Speech, can my next child have it too?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/if-one-child-has-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-can-my-next-child-have-it-too
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech — what to do first: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-was-just-diagnosed-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-what-should-i-do-first
- What can I expect as my child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech grows up?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-can-i-expect-as-my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-grows-up

### At home & in everyday life
- How to Support Your Child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-support-my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-at-home