Research

Each year, Apraxia Kids provides funding to researchers who submit proposals for treatment research pilot studies. Over the years, these studies have proven to be invaluable to the apraxia community in supporting assessment and treatment decision-making.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

Foreword from the Apraxia Kids Professional Advisory Council:

Research is vital for improving clinical outcomes for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). For Apraxia Kids to achieve its mission, evidence-based assessment and treatment of children with CAS is critical. Better diagnosis and treatment will come by rigorously testing clinical and scientific ideas. Apraxia Kids is therefore proud to sponsor research grants on topics related to CAS.

However, research can only be conducted if families choose to participate. Scientists cannot determine what assessment techniques or treatment approaches are most promising without volunteers. Studies may address a number of factors such as different treatment techniques, early identification of CAS, long-term outcomes, speech production and speech perception characteristics, behavioral skills such as memory and attention, or biological factors such as genes and brain characteristics.  In some cases, the primary benefits of participating in research may be to help other families down the road, once scientists are able to answer their questions.  The outcomes of research are then disseminated to the wider community of clinicians, researchers, and parents through research articles.

If you have participated in research projects related to CAS, the apraxia community thanks you for this vital service.

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

There are a multitude of different treatment approaches available for CAS. Tricia McCabe, Elizabeth Murray and Donna Thomas from the University of Sydney have graciously enabled us to share with you an Evidence Brief on childhood apraxia of speech.

This Evidence Brief reflects the past and current research from Australia in collaboration with researchers and clinicians across the world.  The CAS Treatment Project Log includes research that covers many aspects of childhood apraxia of speech.  We thank these excellent researchers not only for their contributions to our understanding of CAS but also for their generosity in sharing their vital information with others.

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM | JULY 7-9, 2020

Apraxia Kids is dedicated to advancing innovation through research and education. We are thrilled to be hosting the third Research Symposium in 2020 in conjunction with the Apraxia Kids National Conference. This special event is geared towards researchers and will involve a limited audience. The Research Symposium will occur for two days prior to the start of the National Conference.

Comprised of 16 hours of research presentations, discussions, and brainstorming for the future, this event is certain to be invaluable to our apraxia community.

This event is co-chaired by Dr. Jonathan Preston and Dr. Tricia McCabe.

Apply to speak at Research Symposium!

RESEARCH FUNDING

Each year, Apraxia Kids provides funding to researchers who submit proposals for treatment research pilot studies. Over the years, these studies have proven to be invaluable to the apraxia community in supporting assessment and treatment decision-making.

ARE YOU CONDUCTING RESEARCH?

Apraxia Kids is a resource for academic researchers looking to identify participants for their Childhood Apraxia of Speech focused study. We provide a connection between researchers and participants through our website. 

Submit Research Study
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Published Research

Published in June of 2019, this research outlines preliminary findings for potential ‘red flags’ that could assist the identification of infants and toddlers at risk for a later diagnosis of CAS. Click here to download a PDF summary of the article.

This recent article by Dr Lawrence Shriberg, et al informs us of the latest on prevalence of CAS at 1 per 1000 children.

Findings from this study indicated that a greater amount of practice results in greater learning, and that more massed (intensive) practice tends to enhance speech motor learning for most children with CAS. In addition, all children showed treatment effects (greater learning for treated sets than for untreated sets), providing further support for the efficacy of integral stimulation-based treatment.  Click here to download a PDF summary of this article.

PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH!

Research studies need participants just like you!

Find an approved study below to participate in!

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Duquesne University

This research study is comparing the home language environment of typically developing children to children with speech sound disorder.

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Syracuse University

This research study at Syracuse University is exploring the effects of different types of treatment that have shown to help children with speech sound disorders, including childhood apraxia of speech.

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Centre of Research Excellence

This study is attempting to learn more about the strengths and challenges children experience when they have a genetic diagnosis, including changes in the following genes: FOXP1, FOXP2, SETBP1 and KAT6A.

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Case Western Reserve University

A research study is being conducted by Case Western Reserve University on the speech, language, and reading decoding ability of school-age participants with a diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech.

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Arizona State University

The main purpose of this study is to explore the link between genetic variations and speech and language in families.

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Temple University

The study involves a summer camp during which treatment is provided. Children will be randomly assigned to receive 16 hours of individual ASSIST speech therapy.

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Arizona State University Babble Boot Camp

The purpose of this study is to determine if starting therapy at very early ages can minimize or prevent speech & language problems in children with classic galactosemia.

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University of Texas at Arlington

This study aims to document characteristics of motor disorders that are present in children who have a diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

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Saint Xavier University

The purpose of the study is to identify possible infant characteristics that may be linked to a future diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech.

Apraxia Kids values innovation and is committed to funding research initiatives throughout the world. The generous support of donors allows our organization to fund new and exciting research on a variety of apraxia of speech topics.