Background Intra-oral sensory function is a complex perception and difficult to assess clinically. On the other hand, it seems important to establish intra-oral sensory function in order to give appropriate advice regarding therapy in children with speech problems. The tactile sensibility of the anterior portion of the tongue has been suggested to be particularly important (Grossman & Hattis, 1967; Williams & LaPoint, 1971; Calhoun et al, 1992). The stereognosis test assesses the ability to identify an object primarily by sensory surface receptors. In an earlier case study of a child with persistent speech difficulties intra oral sensory stimulation produced good results regarding speech intelligibility (Lundeborg Hammarström & McAllister 2007). Thus, could a low result on a test of intra oral stereognosis serve as a diagnostic marker suggesting treatment including intra oral sensory stimulation? The aim of the present study was to investigate intra oral stereognosis in children with persistent speech problems. Method Twenty children with persistent speech problems including childhood apraxia of speech - CAS, twelve girls and eight boys, were tested using a set of four shapes in two sizes based on Calhoun et al, (1992) to assess intra oral stereognosis. Results were compared to a previous study of intra oral stereognosis in typically developed children (Norström & Sjöberg 2003). Statistical analyses to assess significance will be provided. Results The children with CAS showed lower results on both the large and small shapes as compared to the typically developed children. Discussion The relevance of intra oral sensory function in relation to choice of therapy will be discussed. References Calhoun KH, Gibson B, Hartley L, Minton J, Hokanson JA. (1992) Age-related changes in intra oral sensation. Laryngoscope, 102, 109-116. Grossman R C. (1967). Methods of determining oral tactile experience. In J F Bosma ed. Oral sensation and perception. Charles C Thomas, publisher, Springfield, Illinois, USA, 161-181. Lundeborg Hammarström, I., McAllister, A. (2007). Treatment outcome using intra-oral sensory stimulation and EPG in a 6 year old child with persistent speech difficulties. Log Phon Vocol, 32 (2):71 Norström H, Sjöberg P. (2003). Intraoral stereognosi hos 4:0 - 5:5 åriga barn med normal talutveckling. Masters thesis in Speech and Language Pathology, Karolinska Institue. Williams WN, LaPoint LL. (1971). Intra-oral recognition of geometric forms by normal subjects. Perc Mot Skills, 32, 419-426.