Chiropractic & Speech Therapy: A Unified Strategy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) can be a source of immense frustration and worry for parents and teachers. Despite a child knowing what they want to say, their brain struggles to coordinate the muscle movements needed for speech. While speech therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, many families explore complementary therapies—such as chiropractic care—to further support oral-motor development and overall well-being.

This article explores how integrating chiropractic and speech therapy can create a more holistic, unified path to help children with CAS communicate effectively and thrive.

Understanding Childhood Apraxia of Speech

What is CAS?

A neurological speech sound disorder where motor planning and programming of movements are impaired—despite normal muscle and language skills.

Signs & Symptoms

Look for inconsistent errors, “groping” behaviors, difficulty initiating speech, and prosody issues like abnormal rhythm and stress patterns.

Speech Therapy: The Evidence-Based Core

Effective treatments include intensive motor‑learning approaches such as DTTC, ReST, and integrated phonological awareness interventions—typically delivered 3–5 sessions per week, with high repetition.

The Chiropractic Perspective

Spinal Alignment & Nervous System Flow

Chiropractors focus on removing vertebral “subluxations” that may interfere with nerve communication—potentially improving function in nerves that control speech-related muscles.

Pediatric-Specific Techniques

Gentle cervical and cranial adjustments are tailored for children to support overall neurological health, oral-motor coordination, posture, and balance.

Evidence & Case Reports

Case Study – 2-Year-Old with CAS

A toddler went from non-verbal to producing vowel sounds and simple words after 7 chiropractic sessions over 8 weeks using Gonstead and Sigma Instrument techniques.

Further Reports

Children with motor speech delays and dyspraxia showed improvements in word acquisition—one 4-year-old learned ~20 new words per week after eight visits.

A Caution on Evidence

These are case reports without control groups. Systematic reviews of CAS therapy emphasize motor-based speech therapy, and highlight interdisciplinary research as a priority.

Chiropractic and Speech Therapy: How They Work Together

• Synergy in Action: Chiropractic care may enhance neuromotor readiness, allowing speech sessions to be more effective. Speech therapy then refines motor programming with repetition and cueing.

• Team-Based Coordination: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), chiropractors, teachers, and parents can share observations, align goals, and track the child’s progress collaboratively.

Guidance for Parents

• Select an Evidence-Based SLP: Choose clinicians trained in CAS-specific methods (DTTC, ReST, etc.)

• Choose a Pediatric Chiropractor Expert: Look for credentials in pediatric/neuro-focused chiropractic care.

• Facilitate Communication: Encourage regular updates between speech therapists and chiropractors—consider shared logs or joint meetings.

• Practical Tips for Home: Track improvements in speech and engagement, maintain consistent routines, and reinforce therapy goals daily.

Addressing Concerns & Safety

• Current Debate: While promising case studies exist, mainstream medical and scientific communities remain skeptical of chiropractic effectiveness beyond musculoskeletal issues.

• Safety First: Always choose licensed practitioners using gentlest pediatric methods. Neck manipulation lowers risk but may carry rare complications.

• Medical Collaboration: Inform pediatricians and speech therapists before beginning chiropractic care; stay attuned to your child’s reactions.

Looking Ahead: What Research Shows

• CAS Therapy Advances: Recent studies are evaluating optimal therapy dosage and delivery methods to maximize outcomes.

• Research Gaps: More controlled trials comparing integrated chiropractic + speech therapy vs. standard treatments are needed to validate outcomes and refine best practices.

Conclusion

Combining chiropractic care with intensive speech therapy may offer added benefits for children with CAS—enhancing neurological readiness, oral-motor control, and holistic health. However, evidence remains preliminary. Parents and educators should proceed thoughtfully, choosing evidence-based professionals and open communication.

Embrace a balanced, interprofessional approach—continue proven speech therapy while exploring chiropractic care under professional guidance. Collaboration, informed decision-making, and ongoing monitoring will help create a supportive environment where children can thrive in speech and life.

One Voice Arkansas is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families affected by Childhood Apraxia of Speech through education, advocacy, and connection.