If your child finds it hard to form words clearly or speak fluently despite knowing what they want to say, they may be experiencing verbal dyspraxia. Also known as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) or developmental verbal dyspraxia (DVD), this condition affects a child’s ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech.
Verbal dyspraxia is more than just a speech delay. It’s a specific neurological motor planning disorder that requires targeted intervention and support.
What is Verbal Dyspraxia?
Verbal dyspraxia is a speech motor planning disorder where the brain struggles to send accurate messages to the muscles of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Children with this condition know what they want to say, but they can’t always produce the words in a consistent and coordinated way. Importantly, it is not caused by muscle weakness or paralysis.
Common Signs of Verbal Dyspraxia
- Limited range of speech sounds or very few words for age
- Inconsistent errors when saying the same word repeatedly
- Difficulty imitating sounds or words, especially as they get longer
- Groping movements with the mouth when trying to speak
- Unusual stress patterns in words or flat intonation
- Slow progress even with speech therapy
How it Differs from Other Speech Disorders
Children with verbal dyspraxia typically present differently from those with general speech delay:
- Errors are often inconsistent
- Speech may become less accurate as utterances get longer or more complex
- There’s often a clear gap between comprehension and expressive speech
- Attempts to imitate may show visible effort or struggle
How Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech and Language Therapy for verbal dyspraxia involves:
- Frequent, structured practice with a skilled therapist
- Emphasis on motor planning and sequencing, not just articulation
- Use of visual, tactile, and auditory cues to support speech production
- A personalised programme adapted to your child’s needs and progress
What Parents Can Do at Home
- Encourage repetition in fun, pressure-free contexts
- Support gestures and other forms of communication while speech develops
- Model clear speech in short, slow phrases
- Use visual supports and communication boards where helpful
Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference
Verbal dyspraxia does not go away on its own, but with early identification and consistent therapy, children can make meaningful progress and become confident communicators.
Explore our 1:1 online consultations and specialist verbal dyspraxia programme for parents at Articulate Kids.
Key Takeaway: Verbal dyspraxia (also known as CAS or DVD) is a speech motor planning disorder, not a delay. With early support and the right strategies, your child can learn to speak more clearly and confidently.