Working with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Theory and Practice for Speech and Language Therapists

This resource will lead the reader through the practicalities of assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention for children of all ages with features of childhood apraxia of speech. It provides the theory and underlying principles upon which to work with children who have this fascinating but challenging disorder in collaboration with families and schools.

Chapters are clearly laid out, with hands on activities for intervention and helpful summaries. There is a focus on alternative and augmentative means of communication and multidisciplinary working, as well as a wealth of case studies and teaching notes for training other professionals. Fresh ways of working are addressed, such as the use of teletherapy and other techniques such as group therapy and the consultative approach are discussed.

Key features include:

• A theoretical overview of current thinking about childhood apraxia of speech
• A structured assessment format with a chapter specifically focused on how to take a detailed speech sample
• Clear guidance on how to make a differential diagnosis
• How to spot early indicators of childhood apraxia of speech
• Advice sheets for parents and schools
• Downloadable record forms for case history taking and assessment.

This book can be read cover to cover or dipped into for quick and easy therapy ideas and is presented in an easy- to- read format, with chapters broken down into bite-sized chunks. It is an essential handbook for all speech and language therapists and students, whatever their level of experience.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements List of tables and figures Handouts Introduction

1. Starting points
2. The classification of speech disorders: the theoretical debate
3. Early indicators
4. Assessment – part 1
5. Assessment part 2
6. Principles of therapy with CAS
7. Early therapeutic intervention
8. Therapeutic intervention for older children
9. Multidisciplinary working
10. Service delivery and decision making
11. Looking into the future

Bibliography

Appendices

Appendix 1: Useful websites for SALTs and parents

Appendix 2: Case studies

"This book is an accessible clinical resource that will be of interest to Speech and Language Therapists working with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. There is clear reference to the theory and evidence base as well as practical resources and principles. This is a comprehensive toolkit that brings together theory and practice that will equip professionals to support children of all ages."
- Sarah Buckley, Practice Manager and Chair, ASLTIP

"This is an extremely well written and useful book which covers identification and treatment of CAS. It makes excellent links between theory and practice. It will be an invaluable source for busy SLTs and students. It should be included in the reading lists of all Speech Sound Disorders courses."
- Shula Burrows, Clinical Lead, Nuffield Paediatric Speech Clinic, Royal National Ear Nose and Throat and Eastman Dental Hospitals

"Kathryn’s book is an easy to read, informative and evidence-based guide to CAS. From differential diagnosis; description of the principles of motor learning to practical suggestions on eliciting sounds. This is a must-have book for any Speech and Language Therapy bookshelf."
- Claire Madeira, Clinical Lead - Speech Sound Disorders, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

"This book provides a comprehensive and easily accessible guide on assessment, differential diagnosis and intervention for children of all ages. [...] A hugely valuable resource for SLTs and students, of all levels of experience, working with children with speech sound disorders."
- Hatty Morgan, Highly Specialist SLT, Sussex Community Foundation Trust (RCSLT Bulletin, Issue 839, Summer 2024)