# Childhood Apraxia of Speech — what to do first

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-was-just-diagnosed-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-what-should-i-do-first
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

After a Childhood Apraxia of Speech diagnosis, the first steps are starting frequent motor-based speech therapy, giving your child a way to communicate now (gestures, signs or AAC) to ease frustration, and practising target words little-and-often at home. CAS is a motor-planning difficulty, not a problem of intelligence, and responds well to early, consistent help. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

*A diagnosis is not a verdict — it is the map that finally tells you which path will help your child be heard.*

## In short
First, take a breath: a Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) diagnosis means your child's brain finds it hard to *plan and sequence* the precise mouth movements for speech — it is **not** a problem of intelligence or of wanting to talk, and it responds well to the right, regular therapy. Your three first steps are simple: begin frequent, motor-based **speech therapy** with a therapist experienced in CAS, set up a way for your child to communicate *right now* (gestures, signs or a picture/AAC system) so frustration eases, and become your child's daily practice partner at home. Early, consistent help makes a real difference.

## Your first steps, in order
- **Start specialised speech therapy soon.** CAS responds best to *frequent, short, motor-based* sessions that drill the planning of movement sequences — not occasional lessons. Ask that your therapist uses a motor-learning approach (lots of repetition of meaningful words, immediate feedback).
- **Give your child a voice today.** While speech is being built, supporting communication with gestures, simple signs, or a picture/AAC tool reduces meltdowns and *encourages*, not delays, talking. Being understood keeps your child motivated.
- **Practise little and often at home.** Short daily practice of target words woven into play and routines matters more than long, occasional efforts. Your therapist will give you a small, doable home set.
- **Check hearing and rule out the rest.** Make sure hearing has been tested and that any feeding or oral-motor concerns are noted, so the plan fits the whole child.
- **Protect your child's confidence.** Celebrate attempts, never demand "say it properly", and let your child know you are listening hard. Self-belief fuels progress.

## What to expect from progress
CAS is a journey of months, not days — clarity builds gradually as the brain learns to sequence movements more reliably. Children who attend regular therapy and practise at home typically make steady, encouraging gains. Keep notes on the words your child can now say; small wins add up and tell you what is working.

## 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 online form. Our clinicians map exactly where your child's speech-motor planning needs support and build a frequent, motor-based plan through our [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) programme, with a clear [developmental and communication profile](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) to track every gain. Across [70+ centres](/) and 700+ therapists, families find help shaped around their child.

## Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidance on Childhood Apraxia of Speech and motor-based intervention; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) on supporting late and unclear talkers; WHO guidance on early communication support.

**Next step —** Ready to begin your child's speech journey? [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: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhood-apraxia-of-speech/
- AAP HealthyChildren — supporting language development: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Language-Development-2-Year-Olds.aspx
- WHO — child health and development: https://www.who.int/health-topics/child-health

## 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
- Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment

## Related question paths

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### At home & in everyday life
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### Follow progress
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