First, I want a child to know that "therapy" is fun, exciting and that he or she is safe/secure. I also want the child to be aware of what will be expected of them and this can be relayed through explaining or through visuals.

Depending on the child's initial level of speech skills, a well-organized, hierarchical approach would be developed. For example where to start and how to progress through the Kaufman Speech Praxis kits. Determine how to move from sound & syllables to multi-syllable structures and then to phrases, sentences, etc. It will also be helpful to know what will be most helpful/functional for the child's communication needs (depending on parent/teacher input and the child's interests).

I truly believe that multi-sensory approaches work best. I incorporate PROMPT technique and other tactile/visual supports (mirrors, tactile cues, mouth pictures or hand cues) for how to make sounds. It sometimes takes time to see what is most helpful for each child.

Children with CAS need LOTS of practice and repetition. Play based activities where we can practice sounds or syllables in repetition are often used. Using words or approximations in context is helpful. One of my favorite activities is doll house play. Easy syllable structures are abundant and can be said over and over again ("ma" or "mama", "dada" or "daddy", "baby", "go", "ca" for car, "weeee", etc.). Using Kaufman Cards and in more structured tasks as well as being incorporated in to play/games. Parent-training and specific "homework" can really make a difference is speed of success.