SLP Category: Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
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- Kimberly
- Erickson
- Yes
- Riverton, Utah
Riverton
Utah
84065
United States - Beautifully Said Speech Therapy, LLC
Riverton
Utah
84065
United States
I am an Apraxia Kids boot camp graduate and have attended many advanced training courses given by Edythe Strand PhD, CCC-SLP and Ruth Stoeckel PhD, CCC-SLP. The treatment approach I adhere to for children with CAS is based on this training, is evidence based and includes differences such as: 1) Treatment is focused on improving movement or motor skill needed for intelligible speech; 2) Speech therapy sessions are structured according to the Principles of Motor Learning (PML)--specifically the way practice and feedback are organized; 3) Treatment is provided using a motor-based approach called Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)--a hierarchy of visual and tactile cues to support accurate movement for intelligible speech.
Parents are encouraged to attend each therapy session with their child. Parent input is critical in the selection of speech targets that are both meaningful and motivating for their child. Home practice is most effective when a parent observes therapy sessions and can then provide opportunities for practice at home as directed by the speech language pathologist.
Providing a means of communication through an AAC device is an important consideration in the treatment of preverbal or minimally verbal children with suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech. I have used low tech and high tech AAC systems with children with CAS. Low tech systems have included notebooks and even lanyards with pictures that are meaningful to the child (i.e. pictures of family members/pets; favorite places; favorite foods; and emotions). I prefer to use photographs from the child's home environment. I have also used a speech generating, higher tech AAC through an app on an iPad. I was able to program the device in a way that allowed the child's teachers at school to test the child's knowledge of history and science curriculum. I was also able to program the device in a way that the child was able to retell favorite stories such as The Hungry Caterpillar. This allowed us to expand the child's use of language as she developed the motor planning skills necessary for intelligible speech. AAC is a tool that encourages and supports communication.
