There are many different speech delays and disorders found in the pediatric population. Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is one of the most common of these 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 facial and oral muscles. It occurs when a child's brain fails to adequately plan the movement 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 used 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, it could potentially arise following a stroke, traumatic brain injury, genetic disease, or syndrome. ASHA states that it is important "to note that, although CAS may be called '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, only slightly slower than his peers. If a child has CAS, on the other hand, he or she does not learn sounds in usual patterns and may not improve without therapy or treatment. Although there is no cure for CAS, much progress can be made with “appropriate and intensive intervention” (“Causes and Numbers,” 2011). The list of symptoms and characteristics that define CAS is quite extensive. That said, all children with CAS are not t... middle of the paper... ass of the word. (2011). American Speech Hearing Association | ASHA. Retrieved November 20, 2011, from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Childh oodApraxia.htmChildren's speech apraxia: causes and number. (2011). American Hearing-Speech Association | ASHA. 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. (n.d.). Childhood Apraxia of Speech Resource Guide. NDSC Center. Retrieved November 20, 2011, from http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/documents/speech/Kumi n.Apraxia.pdf