Congratulations to Laura Hutchinson, Hon. B.Sc., M.Sc., SLP(C), CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, DIR (C), Self-Reg (L2), for graduating from the Apraxia Kids Intensive Training Institute (Apraxia Boot Camp)!

As a clinician and coach, Laura empowers families and caregivers to develop calm connection and communication. With over 20 years of experience, Laura has developed eclectic assessment and treatment skills to approach development of the whole child. Laura offers services locally at Paths 2 Communication ™ in Guelph, Ontario and by tele-practice, throughout Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. In addition to 1:1 supports for speech, language, literacy, and AAC skills, she provides coaching for the Hanen programs, DIR/Floortime, PLAY Project, and Shanker Self-Regulation Method.

As a graduate of 2021 Apraxia Boot Camp, Laura looks forward to applying more specific assessment criteria and treatment approaches to preschoolers and school age children with CAS. The skills and knowledge acquired during Boot Camp will help children to continue their development using the most current, evidence-based, effective, and efficient methods.

Laura offers services in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Check out Laura’s Apraxia Kids SLP Directory Listing to learn more.

Apraxia Kids: What are the top 3 things you learned from this training experience?
Laura: 1) Research supporting assessment and treatment for CAS.  2) The changes in CAS research over the last 20 years.  3) “Question everything.”

Apraxia Kids: How did the boot camp experience change or expand your network of colleagues/friends?
Laura: Boot camp has expanded my network of colleagues and friends by 1) making more connections during boot camp with researchers and clinicians with an interest in CAS; 2) maintaining a close connection with fellow boot campers from Canada – we continue to meet monthly for research discussions even after boot camp 🙂

Apraxia Kids: How have you implemented the knowledge you gained at boot camp?
Laura: The knowledge I gained at boot camp has reshaped how I assess and treat speech- especially motor speech and CAS. It also reinforced the need to “question everything” and continuously follow the supporting research base. This has shifted the framework and expanded the tools that I use for providing support to children with CAS.

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?
Laura: Since attending boot camp, I have been able to support fellow SLPs, CDAs, and students in a more comprehensive way. We have implemented changes that have shifted how we complete assessments and there is a more in depth understanding and application of PML in therapy design. When supporting families, I also provide more literacy support much earlier for children with CAS given the likelihood for challenges.

Apraxia Kids: What would you say to someone considering applying to boot camp next round?
Laura: I highly recommend attending boot camp as it will change the lens that you use to assess and treat families/children with CAS. Being connected to a group of individuals with the same interest and level of intensity for more knowledge is extremely valuable and offers the opportunity to build a better support system. The “question everything” will also spill over to all aspects of your practice.