is a neurological disorder where children have difficulty coordinating the movements of their lips, tongue, and jaw which are needed for speech. Though they understand language and have the physical ability to move their mouth, their brain struggles to send the right signals for proper speech production.
- Apraxia is speech motor planning, not muscle weakness
- Many Children are delayed in reaching most milestones
- Language comprehension is typically normal
- Difficulty with longer words
- Frequent sound substitutions or omissions
- Issues with speech rhythm and stress patterns
- Trouble imitating sounds and words
- Long pauses between sounds
- Current standard treatment
- A speech-language pathologist evaluates speech abilities
for diagnosis - Intensive speech therapy
- Early intervention
At Apraxia Voice, three foundational pillars guide our work as we strive to supplement existing speech therapy and drive new, research-backed solutions for this rare condition:
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy and Myofascial Release
- CFT/MFR releases tension resulting in more fluid movement
- Our organization, Apraxia Voice, believes that CFT and MFR will enhance the potential for improved motor processing and speech outcomes
- Apraxia Voice will offer on-demand, no-cost online CFT/MFR classes tailored for children, empowering families to incorporate this effective technique into their care routines
Functional Health and Nutrition
- Research in the autism community has shown the benefits of addressing gut health. Apraxia Voice is committed to exploring whether similar connections exist between nutrition, gut health, and speech-related challenges in Apraxia. There is a significant overlap between Apraxia and autism, with studies indicating that a considerable percentage of children with autism also have Apraxia.
- Through partnerships and scholarship offerings families will have access to testing and resourcing not available elsewhere
- Largest PR campaigns in the industry
- These campaigns aim to amplify the voices of families affected by Apraxia while fostering widespread understanding of the need for
holistic care
Apraxia Voice: One Voice at a Time
As a proud grandparent of a child with Apraxia – and firm believer in the powerful connection between body and mind – Dhana Cohen founded Apraxia Voice in honor of her late husband Fred Cohen… the proudest “Poppy”.
Apraxia Voice is the first holistic nonprofit dedicated to nuturing not only the Whole Child, but the whole family – and that support should be accessible, cost-effective, and sometimes even free.
This journey is about more than one child. It’s about transforming how we care for all children and families navigating communication challenges. It’s about hope, healing, and the strength we find in community.
Change is on the horizon… hold on to hope.
Creating a holistic community with Apraxia Voice involves building a supportive, inclusive, and active environment where families, children, and professionals dealing with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Apraxia) can connect, learn, and grow together.
We will provide a place to share personal success stories, inspiring journeys, and practical advice from families and professionals who have experience with holistic approaches in Apraxia.
Encourage members to advocate for better awareness and resources for children with Apraxia. Work together to influence policy changes or fundraise for more research.
Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive list of Providers.
Your generous support would make a profound impact on our efforts. With your donation, we can:
Expand Access
Have access to more online classes and Functional Health experts.
Drive Research
Contribute to groundbreaking research on holistic therapies, such as Craniosacral Fascial Therapy and Myofascial Release, that can improve speech outcomes for children with CAS.
Educate Families
Provide educational resources and training to empower families in their child’s speech development journey.
Raise Awareness
Advocate for more recognition and support for children affected by CAS, ensuring they receive the help they deserve.
Two Important Areas of Focus
Our FREE online fascial and movement classes for kids and their families are designed to test the theory that releasing fascial tension can help improve speech outcomes. In addition, a select group of families will work with our chosen Functional Health advisors, combining body-based and nutritional strategies to support the whole child.
This powerful combination of approaches has the potential not only to enhance speech development, but also to address physical challenges such as sleep regulation, stimming behaviors, and concentration.
By taking part, these families will contribute to a groundbreaking, holistic approach that could make a lasting difference in overall development and quality of life.
Thank you to our Donors and Sponsors for helping us realize our vision.
We are deeply grateful to our corporate sponsors and partners whose dedication helps bring our vision to life. Your investment in children facing their greatest communication challenges fuels our mission to provide holistic, innovative therapies that create lasting change.
Together, we are not only funding and finding more programs—we are building a legacy of hope, progress, and connection for children and families across the Apraxia community.
Dhana has been in marketing and advertising for over 30 years. First at the world-renowned Chicago Tribune, then at a Bonneville Radio Station in Phoenix, Chicago Magazine, and an International Home & Design Magazine before founding her own marketing firm in 1998. Now, as a proud grandparent of an apraxic child, Dhana is dedicating her time to help uncover the missing links to a whole child Apraxia approach.
