What approach is recommended for treating a child with apraxia of speech?

Intensive and frequent speech therapy is the recommended approach for treating a child with apraxia of speech due to the nature of the disorder, which involves difficulties in planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. Children with apraxia often require extensive practice and repetition to improve their motor planning skills.

Frequent therapy sessions provide the opportunity for consistent intervention, allowing the child to practice articulatory movements and receive immediate feedback. This practice helps reinforce the neural pathways involved in speech production, facilitating better communication skills over time. Moreover, multiple sessions during the week can help maintain motivation and provide ongoing support for skill development.

In contrast, passive observation does not actively engage the child in therapeutic activities, which is critical for progress in apraxia treatment. Weekly group therapy may also lack the individual focus needed, as it often addresses broader concerns and may not give a child the targeted attention essential for overcoming specific motor planning challenges. Likewise, relying on assistive technology without emphasizing direct speech therapy does not address the core issue of motor planning, which is pivotal in apraxia.