Date of Graduation

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders

Advisor/Mentor

Frazier, Kimberly

Committee Member/Reader

Glade, Rachel

Abstract

“Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological childhood (pediatric) speech sound disorder in which the precision and consistency of movements underlying speech are impaired in the absence of neuromuscular deficits (e.g. abnormal reflexes, abnormal tone)” (ASHA, 2007b, Definitions of CAS section, para. 1). The role of speech-language pathology in conjunction with childhood apraxia of speech is the treatment of whichever speech sound disorders exist. The variable nature of CAS creates challenges for SLPs. Presently, “there are no validated diagnostic features that differentiate CAS from other childhood speech sound disorders.” (ASHA, 2007b, Signs and Symptoms, para 1). Due to this lack of definitive diagnostic markers, there remains much to be learned in the understanding of the disorder, and a need for additional research, so that practitioners will be better able to diagnose and treat this puzzling condition.

The purpose of this study is to collect data via online survey to gain information on the assessment and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech by SLPs working in a variety of settings. This project will consist of attaining, ideally, five hundred participants who are licensed speech-language pathologists. In order to recruit a large sample, participants will be incentivized through the possibility of winning a one-hundred-dollar VISA gift card in a raffle. Participants will answer ten multiple-choice questions which range from questions about themselves to their caseloads. The goal is to compare and contrast information about CAS from assessment to treatment.

Keywords

Apraxia; Children; Speech; Assessment; Treatment

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