Children aged 2 years are generally able to say two words, such as "want milk" or "want to eat". If your little one can't say a simple set of words, there's a good chance he or she has apraxia speech disorder.
Apraxia in children is a neurological disorder in the brain that makes it difficult for children to coordinate the muscles used during speech. A child with apraxia knows what to say, but has difficulty moving the jaw, tongue, and lips to speak.
Symptoms of Apraxia in Children
The speech disorder apraxia is similar to the speech disorder dysarthria. Apraxia in children is usually caused by genetic and metabolic disorders. However, premature birth and mothers who consumed alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy can also be factors that trigger apraxia in children.
Apraxia usually can only be detected in children under 3 years old (toddlers). The following are some of the symptoms that can indicate the occurrence of apraxia in children:
- Less babbling as a baby.
- Appears to have difficulty moving the mouth for chewing, sucking, and blowing
- Difficulty pronouncing consonants at the beginning and end of words, such as "eat", "drink", and "sleep"
- It's hard to pronounce a similar word, like "book", "nail", and "milk"
- Use body movements more often to communicate, for example, extending your hand to ask for something or crying if you want to eat or drink
- It's hard to say the same word a second time
How to Overcome Apraxia in Children
If your little one experiences the above symptoms, he or she may be suffering from apraxia speech disorder. However, to be sure, you should consult a doctor. Usually the doctor will assess the child's ability to say one word repeatedly.
Here are some ways that can be done to help improve speech in a child with apraxia:
1. Speech therapy
Speech therapy is the most effective way to treat apraxia in children. Generally, this therapy needs to be done regularly as much as 2 times a week until the results are visible.
2. Music therapy
Studies have shown that music therapy can make children produce more syllables and different sound combinations. This therapy can even improve your child's communication skills in everyday life.
Therefore, it doesn't matter if Mom and Dad invite your little one to listen to or watch music videos on their gadgets. It's just that, the time must be limited, so that children don't get addicted gadgets.
3. Games say the word
Invite your little one to do a game where he has to say one simple word over and over again, like “eat”, “dinner”, “drink”, or "bathe".
Try to do this game in front of a mirror, so your little one knows which part of the mouth to move when saying a word.
4. Sign language
Using sign language can also be one way to deal with apraxia speech disorder. By using sign language, your little one can practice moving their mouth to say a word.
Parental and family support is very important in practicing speech in children who have apraxia. By applying the tips above, it is hoped that apraxia speech disorder in children can be resolved.
If you notice any symptoms of apraxia in your child, immediately consult a pediatrician to get the right examination and treatment as early as possible.
