SLP Category: Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
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- Deborah
- Christensen
- Yes
- 701 W Wetmore Road
Tucson
Arizona
85705
United States - Amphi Public Schools
Tucson
Arizona
85705
United States
Children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) know what they want to say but have difficulty planning and coordinating the mouth movements needed for speech. When providing speech therapy services for a young child with CAS, sessions are play-based, supportive, and carefully structured with an emphasis on repeated, accurate practice of carefully selected and motivating targets. We practice carefully chosen words and phrases many times, while I give clear models, cues, and feedback about how the word sounded and how the mouth moved. Support is strongest at first and is gradually reduced as the child learns to plan and produce speech movements more accurately and independently. Parent education is provided through observations, videos, conversations, and recommended resources.
When treating children with CAS or suspected CAS, I begin by interviewing parents and reviewing the child’s case history. Parents are asked to share their goals for their child, words their child currently uses (including how those words sound), and words they would like their child to learn to say more clearly. Once therapy begins, parents are included in understanding not only what we are working on, but how we are targeting speech movements. This is done either in person or via video. Ongoing communication remains open to support carryover, collaboration, and shared problem-solving throughout the therapy process.
I support the use of total communication for children whose speech is difficult to understand in an effort to prevent frustration in their attempts to communicate. Total communication may include gestures, ASL signs, pictures, picture communication boards and/or AAC applications on an iPad. While I have experience using TouchChat with Word Power, LAMP Words for Life, and Proloquo2Go. When considering AAC, I am guided by the child’s strengths, preferences, and communication attempts. By following the child’s lead, we are able to select a method or system that is functional and meaningful to the child.