Molly Beiting, PhD, CCC-SLP is a postdoctoral researcher at Syracuse University. She completed her PhD at Temple University in 2022. Dr. Beiting’s research involves children and teens with CAS as well as other speech sound disorders. She has a special interest in improving diagnosis and treatment for individuals with complex communication profiles due to multiple co-occuring conditions, including autism, developmental language disorder, and reading challenges. Dr. Beiting is also a certified SLP and has experience supporting children in school and private practice settings. As a member of the Apraxia Kids Professional Advisory Council, Dr. Beiting looks forward to strengthening connections between families, research, and clinical practice communities. Outside of work, Dr. Beiting enjoys any opportunity to get creative–including pottery, printmaking, cooking, and gardening.

How did you first become interested in CAS?

Through my amazing clients! In the beginning of my career, I had the privilege of working with several children with CAS in the schools and in my private practice. Each one was so different—that prompted me to learn as much as I could about apraxia and eventually go back to school to get my doctoral degree. There are some really amazing treatment options for CAS, but there is still much to learn, especially about how to best support kids with co-occurring challenges and how to adapt treatment to meet their changing needs over time.

How long have you been interested in CAS?

About twelve years. My interest in CAS has deepened as I’ve had long-lasting relationships with my former clients (now teens and adults!) and have gotten more involved in research and with the apraxia community.

What is your “why” for being involved with Apraxia Kids?

First and foremost, I love connecting with families! Apraxia Stars and their parents are the kindest and most hardworking people that I know. There are many challenges that come along with CAS, and the programs, resources, and community that Apraxia Kids provides can make things a bit easier—it is an honor to contribute in a small way to help that happen. Second, as a new clinician, I remember feeling unprepared to work clients with CAS. My own continuing education started with Apraxia Kids, and I love being able to give back to help other clinicians develop their confidence and skills. Finally,  I also appreciate that Apraxia Kids is such a champion for research. Their conferences and grant competitions have amplified awareness and research interest in CAS.

What is your vision for the next 2-3 years for Apraxia Kids?

I hope that Apraxia Kids continues to be a haven for families in all stages of their apraxia journeys. I would like to see Apraxia Kids further expand their reach to support families that have historically had disproportionately later diagnoses and less access to high quality treatment. Everyone deserves communication! I would also like to see Apraxia Kids support more community partnerships in research.

A couple of fun things about you – favorite pastime, latest non-professional book you read, hobby or favorite pastime, person you would most love to have dinner with (living now or in the past), dream vacation, or anything else that might be of interest that you want to share! Pick 2 or 3 things to tell us about yourself!

I recently moved to North Carolina to start a faculty position at UNC. I’ve loved exploring the abundance of greenspace and discovering new plants along the trails. I have a secret obsession with growing my home apothecary and learning about the ways plants can be used to support health! I also love making art, especially projects that I can do with my two-year-old. We’re certainly not making anything museum-quality, but we sure have fun getting messy and creative!