Amanda Zito Griffin, M.S., CCC-SLP, is now a graduate of the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp) and is considered Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

I have been a speech language pathologist for almost 23 years. Being an SLP has always been my passion and it has turned out to be one of the great loves of my life. I live in Atlanta, GA, and own and run a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic (OT, Speech, ABA), and maintain a caseload of clients (80% of those with CAS).

My career started with almost a decade in the public school system, while also providing private therapy in homes, schools, and clinics. Fourteen years ago, I officially took the jump and opened a clinic – A to Z Pediatric Therapy; adding ABA to Z to that in 2021.

My journey in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Motor Speech Disorders began twenty years ago, with an initial training in PROMPT. My interest was piqued, leading me to seek out additional education, including DTTC, Kaufman, more PROMPT courses, as well as anything and everything I could get my hands on! My life changed for the better at my first Apraxia Kids conference in 2018. It solidified my purpose and my focus, and I set a goal of making it into Apraxia Kids Intensive Training (Bootcamp). That bucket list item became a dream in 2025 and becoming a graduate is something that I cannot put into words! I am so excited for what’s to come to continuing support my own clients, those that attend our clinic, and clinicians and families in the Atlanta area and beyond!

 

Amanda offers services in Atlanta, Georgia.
Check out Amanda’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

 

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?

Amanda:

1. That the more you know about CAS and Motor Speech, the more you need to know!
2. It reiterated the value of honing our diagnostic skills using a large set of evaluation tools to set the best stage for treatment (and how important continued assessment is with progress).
3. How to write much more specific and individualized goals. Both initially and in a time efficient manner during treatment (given large caseloads and time limits).

 

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?

Amanda: Getting access to some of the leading researchers and leaders in the field was incredible and an experience that is hard to put into words. I also loved being connected to those with a passion for motor speech disorders and CAS from all over the country (and even the world!). It made me feel great to see others on this journey – many who had done things that I have aspired to (participated in a research study, had the opportunity to attend an Advanced DTTC training). I feel much more confident that I have a network to reach out to “compare notes,” ask questions, ask perspectives, and/or to point me in the right direction. I am constantly reminded of how much I have learned since I started my intensive CAS journey in 2016/17, as well as how much I do not yet know. It is both humbling and invigorating!

 

Apraxia Kids: Describe how you have implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp.

Amanda: I immediately bulked up my diagnostic and evaluation process, including more measures and different measures. Doing the case study helped me even more with this – both trying new things (and having Dr. Overby to support/bounce ideas off) as well as helping me explore and understand the why’s and how’s of various measures.

 

Apraxia Kids: What is an example of how you have been able to (or plan to) use your expertise as a local resource/support for other professionals and/or families since attending the intensive training?

Amanda: I have been able to guide other practicing clinicians to AK for continuing education and support. I have been able to guide parents to AK as resource on how to find a good SLP and/or what the process of getting a differential diagnosis and a true Dynamic Motor Speech Assessment looks like.

 

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?

Amanda: Do it! This is a life-changing experience for any SLP, but especially for those of us who eat, sleep, and breathe Motor Speech Disorders. It will energize your practice and inspire you in ways beyond your imagination!