Overview

Little information is available to speech and language pathologists searching for practical ideas about treatment of childhood apraxia of speech. It can be difficult for therapists to determine how to structure treatment sessions, provide reinforcement, use multisensory cues targeted to the learning style of the child, and choose treatment targets based on factors other than phonemes and phonological processes. Here’s How to Treat Childhood Apraxia of Speech empowers speech and language pathologists with a clear vision of systematic treatment approaches to achieve positive outcomes for children with apraxia of speech. Each chapter addresses those questions most commonly posed by speech and language therapists.

The first part of the book defines Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and describes the characteristics commonly associated with CAS. Guidelines for conducting a motor speech examination are included so that therapists can make treatment plan decisions and develop appropriate goals that address the unique needs of children with apraxia.

The foundations of effective treatment are described, including phoneme sequencing, repetitive practice, intensity of treatment, selection of vocabulary, and use of multisensory cues to facilitate improvement of motor speech skills. Additional considerations are discussed, including vowels, prosody, production of phrases and sentences, and reinforcement/feedback.

A portion of the book provides information that can be distributed to parents in order to help them understand the nature and treatment of CAS in their child. In addition, home program forms and ideas are provided, so that therapists have a structured way of communicating with parents about therapy goals, vocabulary, and extension activities for home practice.

Review

• Ronna Siegel Woloshin, CCC-SLP, Illinois Speech Language and Hearing Association Newsletter, (January 2011):
  "Here’s How to Treat Apraxia of Speech will help SLPs of all skill levels and experience to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work more efficiently and effectively with children who have apraxia. This impressive book will be an invaluable resource across a wide variety of therapeutic settings. It can serve as a textbook for students of speech-language pathology, a therapy manual for SLPs who are new to the field, and a resource manual for more experienced SLPs. Readers will gain a much better understanding of CAS, along with many new tools to guide their clinical thinking about every aspect of assessment and intervention. SLPs will come away with a better grasp of traditionally proven methods for intervention, in addition to many creative, practical, and innovative strategies that can immediately be implemented in therapy. The author has done a brilliant job of referencing the research that supports why these interventions are successful with the apraxic population. This book will enable SLPs to enhance their knowledge and skills, and gain confidence when evaluating and treating this complex speech disorder. This outstanding resource should be required reading for every speech-language pathology student and SLP working with children with CAS. Every speech-language pathologist will want to add this valuable book to his/her collection of therapy resources."

Audience

Primary Subject: Speech and Language Pathology / Pediatrics
Secondary Subject: Speech and Language Pathology / Articulation, Phonetics, Phonology
Secondary Subject: Pediatrics
Audience Level: Professional/Textbook - 90 Days

• Understanding Childhood Apraxia of Speech
  • What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
  • Characteristics of Childhood Apraxia of Speech
  • Assessment of Children with Suspected CAS
• P.R.I.S.M: Foundations of Effective Treatment for Childhood Apraxia of Speech
  • Phoneme Sequencing
  • Repetitive Practice
  • Intensity of Treatment
  • Selection Target Utterances
  • Multisensory Cueing and Feedback
• Additional Considerations in Treatment of Childhood
  • Addressing Vowel Accuracy
  • Establishing Normal Prosody
  • Modifying Complexity of Speech Movements to Build Success
  • Facilitating Early Production of Phrases and Sentences
  • Treatment Considerations for Minimally Verbal Children
  • Addressing Early Literacy Concerns in Children with CAS
  • Augmentative Communication and Children with CAS
  • Enhancing Social Language Skills in Children with CAS
  • Incorporating Books and Music into Treatment
  • Special Considerations for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Developing an IEP or Treatment Plan
  • Partnering with Parents to Maximize Treatment Outcomes

About The Author

Margaret Fish, MS, CCC-SLP

For over twenty-five years, Margaret Fish has been providing speech and language services to children. She currently works in private practice in Highland Park, Illinois, with children with severe speech sound disorders and language disorders, with a specific interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Margaret has provided local and national workshops to speech and language pathologists on the topic of assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of CAS.

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