Maybe it’s Apraxia? Diagnostic Considerations for Childhood Apraxia of Speech

SLP Nerdcast

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This topic is a frequent flyer in our listener questions inbox. Apraxia? Severe phonological disorder? Articulation disorder? What’s the difference? Does it even matter? Turns out, there are some pretty big differences between these diagnostic categories, and it is important to understand what is going on in order to help your client to the best of your ability.

Enter our conversation with Mike Bright. His experience in this area is extensive - and includes recognition from Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Fortunately for us, and our listeners, Mike was generous enough to sit down with us and talk about one really important piece of this bigger conversation: Differential diagnosis. Listen in and learn just what differential diagnosis is, why it is important, and specific components that should be included in an assessment when childhood apraxia of speech is a possibility.

We had a great time learning from Mike, and we think you will too! You can learn more about Mike here.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe one reason why differential diagnosis is challenging.

2. Describe one reason why differential diagnosis is critical in providing appropriate intervention.

3. Identify four components of an in-depth speech evaluation when childhood apraxia of speech is a possibility.

References

Overby, M., & Caspari, S. S. (2015). Volubility, consonant, and syllable characteristics in infants and toddlers later diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech: A pilot study. Journal of Communication Disorders, 55, 44-62. doi:10.1016/j.jcomdis.2015.04.001

Disclosures:

Mike Bright Financial Disclosures: Mike is the owner of Bright Speech and Language, LLC. Mike Bright Non-financial: "Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech"

Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Amy Wonkka financial disclosures: Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder for SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of the challenges of differential diagnosis

15 minutes: Descriptions of why differential diagnosis is critical in providing appropriate intervention

10 minutes: Descriptions of components of an in-depth speech evaluation when childhood apraxia of speech is a possibility.

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

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