What if my child is not progressing in speech therapy?

Limited progress in speech therapy can occur for a range of reasons, particularly when therapy is not aligned with the child’s motor speech needs.

It can be frustrating and concerning when a child does not appear to be making progress in speech therapy.

There are a number of reasons why progress may be slower than expected, particularly for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This includes the nature of CAS as a motor planning disorder, where progress often requires high levels of repetition and practice over time.

In some cases, it may be helpful to review:

• the type of therapy approach being used

• the frequency and intensity of sessions

• whether therapy targets are appropriate for the child’s current level

Children with CAS generally benefit from therapy approaches that are specifically designed for motor learning, rather than traditional articulation-based approaches.

If progress is limited, it can be appropriate to seek a second opinion or review the therapy plan to ensure it is aligned with the child’s needs.