What is a hallmark characteristic of childhood apraxia of speech?

What is a hallmark characteristic of childhood apraxia of speech?

• A. Consistent production of speech sounds
• B. Difficulty with understanding spoken language
• C. Inconsistently producing speech sounds
• D. Rapid speech rate and fluency

Answer: (C)

Inconsistent production of speech sounds is a hallmark characteristic of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). This condition is a motor speech disorder where children have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements required for speech. As a result, they may produce the same sound or word differently each time they attempt it, which is indicative of the motor planning issues central to CAS. This inconsistency can manifest in various ways, such as a child being able to say a word correctly on one occasion but struggling to produce the same word during subsequent attempts. This variability is a key distinguishing feature of CAS, separating it from other speech sound disorders where consistent sound production is often present. In contrast to this correct answer, consistent production of speech sounds suggests that a child has mastered speech and does not have the planning difficulties associated with CAS. Difficulty with understanding spoken language is more characteristic of language disorders rather than the specific motor planning issues seen in CAS. Lastly, a rapid speech rate and fluency are not typical of CAS; instead, children with this disorder often struggle with fluency due to their inability to plan and execute speech movements efficiently.

Inconsistent production of speech sounds is a hallmark characteristic of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). This condition is a motor speech disorder where children have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements required for speech. As a result, they may produce the same sound or word differently each time they attempt it, which is indicative of the motor planning issues central to CAS.

This inconsistency can manifest in various ways, such as a child being able to say a word correctly on one occasion but struggling to produce the same word during subsequent attempts. This variability is a key distinguishing feature of CAS, separating it from other speech sound disorders where consistent sound production is often present.

In contrast to this correct answer, consistent production of speech sounds suggests that a child has mastered speech and does not have the planning difficulties associated with CAS. Difficulty with understanding spoken language is more characteristic of language disorders rather than the specific motor planning issues seen in CAS. Lastly, a rapid speech rate and fluency are not typical of CAS; instead, children with this disorder often struggle with fluency due to their inability to plan and execute speech movements efficiently.