Part I: Speech Characteristics of the Disorder.

Practicing speech-language pathologists frequently ask about the existence of information regarding developmental apraxia of speech (DAS) that they can share with the parents of their clients and patients. Hoping to fill a need, a series of letters, addressed to the parent(s) of a child with DAS, has been written. These letters discuss such issues as the nature and causes of DAS, other problems often associated with the disorder, and the treatment of DAS. This initial letter discusses the characteristics involved in the disorder. Included with this letter is an appendix of publications that may be helpful for both parents and speech-language pathologists.