What is the difference between childhood apraxia of speech and dysarthria?

CAS and dysarthria are both motor speech disorders but have key differences.

• CAS: Caused by difficulties in motor planning and sequencing. The child knows what they want to say, but the brain struggles to send correct signals to speech muscles.
• Dysarthria: Caused by muscle weakness or poor muscle control. Speech may sound slurred, slow, or strained due to physical limitations.

CAS = planning problem. Dysarthria = muscle control problem.

If you’re unsure which your child has, book a consultation with us for assessment.