Understanding Apraxia and the Power of Persistence

What Is Apraxia of Speech?

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. That means your child knows what they want to say, but their brain has trouble sending the right signals to their mouth to move the muscles in the correct order, with the right timing and coordination. It’s not about intelligence. It’s not about effort. It’s a breakdown in the motor planning system.

Children with apraxia may:

• Struggle to imitate sounds

• Have inconsistent speech errors

• Understand far more than they can say

• Become frustrated when they can’t communicate clearly

The Emotional Toll of Silence

For a parent, hearing your name for the first time is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s often the first word we hope to hear. When it doesn’t come—month after month—it can feel like something sacred is missing. You know your child loves you. You see it in their eyes, their hugs, the way they light up when you enter the room. But still, your heart aches.

For the child, the frustration can run deep too. Many kids with apraxia are fully aware of what they want to say. Imagine knowing the answer, having the words in your head, and not being able to get them out. That level of daily struggle takes resilience—and it also takes support.

The Power of Persistence and Early Intervention

Here’s the good news: children with apraxia can make incredible progress with the right support. At Kids In Motion, we’ve walked alongside families just like yours. We’ve seen kids go from single sounds to full conversations. And yes—we’ve cried tears of joy with parents the first time their child said “Mom” or “Dad.”

Apraxia requires:

• Intensive speech therapy tailored to motor planning

• Repetition and consistency (lots of it!)

• Visual and tactile cues to support the brain-mouth connection

• Family involvement—you are your child’s greatest advocate and teacher

You Are Not Alone

If your child isn’t speaking yet—or struggles to be understood—it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to feel worried. And it’s more than okay to reach out for help.

Early intervention can make a huge difference. So can surrounding yourself with people who get it—who won’t tell you “they’ll grow out of it” or “just wait and see.” Because waiting without action isn’t the answer.

Persistence, connection, and the right approach change everything.

A Message of Hope

If you’re still waiting for “Mom,” please know this, it is coming. It may not be on your timeline, and it may not come easy, but when it does—it will mean more than you ever imagined.

Until then, every attempt, every sound, every spark of effort is a step toward that moment. And your child? They are working so hard. Keep cheering them on.

We’re here to help guide the journey.