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CAS therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) therapy

What is CAS?

CAS is a speech sound disorder due to difficulty with planning and programming movement sequences, resulting in speech prosody and sound production errors. This means that although a child with CAS may know what they want to say, their mouth may not move the way it needs to in order to say words clearly. Therefore, therapy should focus on the movement of the articulators in a variety of syllable shapes rather than individual sounds.

My CAS services focus on the principles of motor planning by implementing Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) or Rapid Syllable Transition Training (ReST). I pair these evidence-based treatment approach with visual/verbal/tactile cues that focus on the movement of syllables and words, rather than individual sounds. I elicit ample practice of selected words in child preferred activities', provide multi-modal direct and specific feedback on the child's production, and move dynamically up/down the DTTC cueing hierarchy. I also target varied rates of speech and prosody during sessions to allow for more varied and natural speech productions.

Isabella has experience in both diagnosing and treating CAS for children ages 18 months to 10 years old. Her experiences with DTTC and in-person training on DTTC and ReST guide her motor-based and evidence-based intervention.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication's (AAC) role in CAS therapy

I may integrate AAC early into treatment to establish an intelligible form of communication. AAC systems (i.e. signs, low tech AAC core boards, high tech speech generating devices) may vary depending on individual child and family needs. AAC can support clear communication to help eliminate frustration and support language development. I have experience introducing, trialing, and funding AAC devices with AAC companies and insurance.

Don't know where to start with AAC or how to get a device funded?

Isabella can guide you through the trailing and funding process. She will facilitate an AAC evaluation feature matching a specific device and user system to your child's unique needs. She will consult and communicate with an AAC company. She will guide and support you through the steps to an insurance funded device.

Apraxia Kids SLP directory

Apraxia Kids is the leading organization in apraxia education and support for both families and speech-language professionals worldwide. Isabella went through extensive training and certifications to be listed in their SLP directory. Isabella is the only SLP on Aquidneck Island and the East Bay of RI in the directory. Isabella is 1 of 3 SLPs in RI in the directory. Click on the map below to see her profile.