Introduction to Pediatric Dysarthria

Many pediatric speech-language pathologists receive minimal training on motor speech disorders in graduate school, and have limited knowledge and experience of motor speech disorders in their work setting. Awareness of how to diagnose and treat childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) has noticeably increased in recent years, but information and training about pediatric dysarthria is still uncommon. As a result, many children with pediatric dysarthria are not being diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as having CAS. In this course, foundational information about pediatric dysarthria will be discussed, including the definition and key features. The available research on treating pediatric dysarthria will be reviewed and important aspects of therapy will be briefly discussed. Resources to learn more about identifying and treating pediatric dysarthria will be provided.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. List two features that if heard in a child’s speech warrant additional testing for dysarthria.
2. Identify a tool for guiding clinical thinking when assessing motor speech disorders.
3. Name two strategies to include in treatment for pediatric dysarthria.

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.