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- Laurie
- Martin
- No
- 18740 Ventura Boulevard, #206
Tarzana
California
91356
United States - Laurie Martin Speech-Language Pathology
Tarzana
California
91356
United States
My treatment approach is hierarchal in nature. Once I have established what a child's consonant and vowel repertoire consists of, I am able to write goals that are specific and achievable. I use a multi sensory approach to therapy where I combine PROMPT intervention or simple touch cues and gestures to help elicit target sounds. These cues are immediately faded once the sound is stable. I use blocked practice of the targets, quickly transitioning to longer words and phrases whenever possible. I work with children with CAS multiple times per week in intense 30 minute in 1:1 sessions.
I have given many guest lectures to preschools in the San Fernando Valley in order to educate teachers and staff members on Childhood Apraxia of Speech for many of my clients. I was involved in the planning and spreading the word of the first Apraxia Walk in Los Angeles in 2017. I reached out to my colleagues and help solicit many donations to ensure its success. In addition, I am active on social media in a variety of Apraxia Awareness groups where I am always available to answer questions for concerned parents to help ease the stress associated with an initial diagnosis.
Parents or caregivers are always present throughout the speech therapy sessions to observe what sounds and/or words are being targeted. I always collaborate with parents to help select a core vocabulary for children with severe CAS to create words that are personally relevant and achievable. It is essential that parents are on-board with what the practice should be so that realistic expectations are created for both parents and the child with CAS.
When a child is unable to have their wants and needs met verbally then it is time to give them a chance to have a voice with AAC. I have often used picture cards as a low tech option for kids to make selections for toys and snacks in both their school and home environments. One of my favorite hight tech options for AAC is a program called Speak for Yourself which is an app that can be downloaded onto an iPad. This app is a great option for kids who don't have the abilities to verbalize, but are able to communicate a variety of customized wants and needs.