Abstract: A growing body of research evidence exists regarding how to effectively treat childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Current research on various methodologies for treating CAS will be reviewed, in combination with clinical experience and with consideration for the unique needs of children with CAS and their families.
Description: Many, if not most, pediatric speech-language pathologists treat children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Yet many clinicians have received minimal education and training on CAS, making treating the disorder in an effective manner extremely challenging. The nature of the disorder requires that in order for it to effectively be treated, therapists must make a paradigm shift in their thinking, switching from a focus on language and sound production to thinking about movement gestures. The current research indicating that effective therapy for CAS must be based on the principles of motor learning will be reviewed. An overview of various therapy approaches based on the principles of motor learning, including DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing) and ReST (Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment) will be provided. Most importantly, resources for clinicians to obtain training and more in-depth knowledge of these approaches will be shared.
Presentation Format & Methods: PowerPoint, videos, interactive lecture
Supporting Research: Reference 1: McCabe, P., Thomas, D., Murray, E., Crocco, L., & Madill, C. (2017). Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment – ReST. The University of Sydney. Available from https://rest.sydney.edu.au/
Supporting Research: Reference 2: Murray, E., McCabe, P., Ballard, K.J. (2014). A Systematic Review of Treatment Outcomes for Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 23, p. 486-504.
Supporting Research: Reference 3: Murray, E., & Iuzzini-Seigel, J. (2017). Efficacious Treatment of Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, SIG 2, Volume 2 (part 2), p. 61-76. Available from http://perspectives.pubs.asha.org/
Supporting Research: Reference 4: Strand, E. (2020). Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing: A Treatment Strategy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Volume 29, p. 30-48.
Supporting Research: Reference 5: Maas, E., Robin, D., Austermann Hula, S., Freedman, S., Wulf, G., Ballard, K., Schmidt, R. (2008). Principles of Motor Learning in Treatment of Motor Speech Disorders. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 17, p. 277-298.
Learning Objectives:
name three features of therapy based on the principles of motor learning.
identify three major characteristics of apraxia that can be used to distinguish CAS from other speech sound disorders.
identify at least one treatment approach for CAS identified as having sufficient evidence using ASHA’s 2004 guidelines.
identify at least two readily available sources for obtaining additional information about and training on effective treatment of CAS.