There are many language delays and disorders in the pediatric population. Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is one of the most common disorders. Dr. Libby Kumin defines CAS as “a motor speech disorder in which children have difficulty planning, coordinating, producing, and sequencing speech sounds” (Kumin, n.d.). Apraxia does not occur due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles of the face and mouth. This occurs when a child's brain cannot properly plan the movements of body parts necessary for normal speech production ("Childhood Apraxia," 2011). Although CAS is the most common name for this specific disorder, it is also referred to by a variety of other names. Some of these names include: dyspraxia, developmental apraxia, pediatric verbal apraxia, or simply apraxia (Kumin, n.d.). It can be difficult to determine the specific cause of CAS in most children. However, this could potentially result from a stroke, head trauma, genetic disease or syndrome. ASHA states that it is important to “note that although CAS may be referred to as ‘developmental apraxia,’ it is not a disorder that children simply ‘outgrow’” (“Causes and Numbers,” 2011). In most disorders related to speech development, the child learns everything in the same order as others, just a little slower than his peers. On the other hand, if a child has CAS, he or she does not learn sounds in usual patterns and cannot improve without therapy or treatment. Although there is no cure for CAS, much progress can be made through “appropriate and intensive intervention” (“Causes and Numbers,” 2011). The list of symptoms and defining characteristics of CAS is rather long. That being said, not all children with CAS have middle of paper......speech axia. (2011). American Speech-Language and Hearing Association | ACHA. Accessed November 20, 2011, from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Childh oodApraxia.htmChildhood Apraxia of Speech: Causes and Number. (2011). American Speech-Language and Hearing Association | ACHA. Retrieved November 25, 2011 from http://www.asha.org/public/spe ech/disorders/ChildhoodApraxiaCauses.htmGretz, S. (2011). Apraxia: Speech therapy in toddlers and young children - Apraxia-KIDS. Apraxia-KIDS (a program of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association) - Apraxia-KIDS. Retrieved November 20, 2011 from http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/apps/nlnet/c ontent3.aspx?c=chKMIOPIIsE&b=78844 &ct=464229Kumin, L. (nd). Resource guide for apraxia of speech in children. NDSC Center. Retrieved November 20, 2011 from http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/documents/speech/Kumi n.Apraxia.pdf