Client Stories: Real Journeys with CAS
Every child’s journey with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is unique. These case studies share the real experiences of families who’ve worked with Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy. Each story highlights the transformative potential of early, consistent, and individualised motor speech therapy (e.g. DTTC/Kaufman).
.png)
.png)
Amelia’s Journey with CAS Therapy
Background:
In 2012, at the age of 2 years and 5 months, Amelia began her speech therapy journey with Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy. Initially, Amelia's verbal communication was very limited, primarily consisting of the sound “ba” for most things, and occasionally “amum” and “ada.” She often relied on physical actions like pulling on her parents to be picked up and pointing to indicate her needs and wants. Amelia had been diagnosed with hypotonia, hypermobility, and global developmental delay, and later with Autism and a Moderate Intellectual Disability.
Initial Assessment and Therapy Goals:
The initial assessment conducted by Olga identified Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) in Amelia. The therapy goals were established to focus on enhancing Amelia's verbal communication, progressing from simple syllable shapes using early developing sounds, to more complex words, simple sentences, and eventually to longer, contextually appropriate sentences.
Therapy Approach:
Amelia attended two 30-minute speech therapy sessions per week. These sessions were structured and goal-oriented, incorporating various techniques designed to stimulate speech production. The sessions were designed to maximise the number of repetitions of target words during each therapy session and were followed up in a similar manner at home by Amelia’s parents.
Progress and Outcomes:
Within two months of starting therapy, Amelia began using individual words more frequently. By the six-month mark, she was able to form simple sentences. Over the next two years, Amelia’s speech evolved to include longer and more complex sentences used in the correct context. The consistent and intensive nature of the motor speech therapy (e.g. DTTC/Kaufman) and home practice played a crucial role in her rapid progress.
Current Status: Now, at 15 years old, Amelia exhibits significant improvements in her verbal communication skills. She is highly verbal, engaging in conversations and interacting socially with ease. Her ability to communicate effectively has greatly enhanced her social interactions, making her a well-known and active member of her community.
Conclusion: Amelia’s story highlights the transformative impact of targeted motor speech therapy (e.g. DTTC/Kaufman) for children with CAS and related diagnoses. The structured and consistent approach used in her therapy sessions at Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy was instrumental in her development. Amelia’s journey underscores the importance of early intervention and demonstrates the potential for significant improvement in communication skills in children with CAS with the right therapeutic strategies.
Celeste’s Journey: From Misdiagnosis to Clear Speech
Background:
Celeste was initially diagnosed with selective mutism by her paediatrician. However, a psychologist colleague familiar with Olga’s CAS work recognised symptoms that suggested an underlying motor speech disorder and referred the family to Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy. During assessment, it became clear that Celeste had Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Therapy Approach:
Therapy focused on early syllable shapes and simple functional words like “me,” “two,” “bye,” “daddy,” and “puppy.” Celeste attended two sessions per week, receiving targeted motor speech therapy (e.g. DTTC/Kaufman) tailored to her needs. Over time, she progressed to clearly articulated speech in sentences.
Progress and Outcomes:
Once her CAS therapy was completed and she was speaking clearly, it became evident that Celeste did indeed also experience selective mutism. Therapy then transitioned to address her anxiety and support her confidence in different environments, particularly during transitions to more demanding school years.
Current Status:
Celeste is now thriving at school and communicates clearly. She occasionally requires support during high-stress transitions, not due to CAS but to manage residual selective mutism. Her mother recalls how hard it was to understand her speech in the early years and often reflects on how much progress she’s made. She wished they had recorded the early sessions to show others just how far she’s come.
Conclusion: Celeste’s story highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and the benefits of addressing both speech and emotional communication challenges. Her journey is a testament to how the right therapy at the right time can unlock a child’s voice—and confidence.
David’s Journey from Silence to Aspiring Speech Pathologist
Background:
David first came to Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy at the age of 6, unable to speak. His parents were concerned about his future communication abilities and sought support to help him overcome his speech challenges.
Therapy Approach:
In his initial session, David made a significant breakthrough by learning to say “mum.” This early success set a positive tone for his therapy journey. David's motor speech therapy (e.g. DTTC/Kaufman) was tailored to his unique needs, focusing on building foundational speech and language skills. Through personalised, consistent, and targeted sessions, he worked on improving his motor speech skills.
Progress and Outcomes:
David’s progress over the years was remarkable. His ability to articulate words and express himself improved significantly, which in turn boosted his confidence. He gradually moved from single words to forming sentences, engaging more effectively in social interactions and academic activities. The consistent support and customised therapy plan allowed David to achieve milestones that had once seemed out of reach.
Current Status:
Today, David is in Year 12 and has made the inspiring decision to pursue a career in speech pathology. His journey through speech therapy not only transformed his communication skills but also shaped his aspirations for the future. David plans to attend university to become a speech pathologist, driven by his own experiences and the desire to help others overcome similar challenges.
Conclusion:
David’s story highlights the transformative power of motor speech therapy (e.g. DTTC/Kaufman) for children with CAS. David’s journey from being unable to speak to aspiring to be a speech pathologist underscores the profound impact that dedicated and personalised intervention can have. His progress and future goals serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance, targeted support, and a commitment to overcoming obstacles.