What must be retrained in children with CAS during speech therapy?

In children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), the primary concern is the difficulty they experience in planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. This motor planning deficit means that the precise movements of the tongue, lips, and jaw necessary for producing speech sounds are not automatic.

During speech therapy for children with CAS, the focus is on retraining these specific muscle movements for speech production. Therapists employ various techniques and exercises aimed at improving the child's ability to sequence movements and produce sounds accurately and fluently over time. This may include repetitive practice of sounds, words, and phrases, as well as engaging in activities that promote oral motor skills. Ultimately, the goal is to help the child achieve more clarity and success in their verbal communication.

The other options, although important in different contexts, do not directly address the fundamental nature of CAS, which is rooted in motor planning and execution rather than cognitive abilities, social skills, or language comprehension issues.