SLP Category: Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
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- Rebecca
- Linke
- 1250 Wallace Boulevard
Amarillo
Texas
79106
United States - Turn Center
Amarillo
Texas
79106
United States
When a child has been identified as having Childhood Apraxia of Speech, therapy starts with the words the child is able to say consistently correct and building from those established motor plans using a multisensory therapy approach. In therapy, multiple repetitions are completed where I provide both tactile and verbal feedback to assist the child in producing the new words. Therapy is started at the word level using a small number of targets and moves up to phrases and sentences. Specific speech sounds are not targeted, rather the movements and transitions from one sound to another are the focus of therapy.
Parents are involved from the first assessment/therapy session. I try to educate the parents on what CAS is and how therapy is conducted based on the research. I want parents to understand that a small set of targets are used and that the process is often slow and laborious for their child. I ask parents to attend or watch via live video the first therapy sessions and others as time progresses. After every therapy session I spend a few minutes with parents on how the session progressed and let them know of any words that can be carried over at home. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and visit with me as often as needed to help them become knowledgeable about their child’s speech disorder.
AAC is utilized as needed throughout sessions to educate the patient on how to clarify their speech when others are having trouble understanding them. Parents are encouraged to use AAC at home to assist the child in becoming an effective and efficient communicator. We use lower tech options (mainly pictures) in sessions to facilitate rewards such as games and toys and higher tech (speech generating devices) to supplement verbal speech to build longer utterances. Based on the severity of the disorder, a higher tech device may be necessary daily. If that is case, I will work with the parents, insurance and AAC companies to obtain a dedicated device for the child to use for as long as it is needed.
