What to Do in Early Intervention When You Suspect Apraxia (CAS)

Many speech-language pathologists working with the early intervention (under age 3) population in the home and private clinic settings encounter children they suspect of having childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). While diagnosis of CAS in children under age three should be approached cautiously, characteristics that indicate inefficiencies with motor planning and/or programming have been identified. These traits will be reviewed, as well as characteristics that may indicate CAS in older children but should be viewed through the lens of motor speech development for children under age 3. Possible initial goals for a child with minimal speech will be discussed. In addition, the assessment process and speech prerequisites required for an evaluation for CAS will be discussed to help clinicians determine the best time to undergo that process or refer to a CAS specialist.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify two features in a two year old’s speech that may indicate a concern with motor planning and/or programming speech.
2. List three characteristics of CAS that may be a part of motor speech development, rather than indicating CAS, in children under age 3.
3. Name two strategies to utilize in therapy for a child with a suspected motor speech issue.

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.