Simultaneous Natural Speech and AAC Interventions for Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Lessons from a Speech-Language Pathologist Focus Group

Abstract

In childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), children exhibit varying levels of speech intelligibility depending on the nature of errors in articulation and prosody. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies are beneficial, and commonly adopted with children with CAS. This study focused on the decision-making process and strategies adopted by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when simultaneously implementing interventions that focused on natural speech and AAC. Eight SLPs, with significant clinical experience in CAS and AAC interventions, participated in an online focus group. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes: key decision-making factors; treatment history and rationale; benefits; challenges; therapy strategies and activities; collaboration with team members; recommendations; and other comments. Results are discussed along with clinical implications and directions for future research.

Keywords::

• AAC
• Childhood apraxia of speech
• Speech therapy
• Intervention

Notes

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Michelle Wintering for her assistance with reliability.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This research was supported by the Honor's Tutorial Fund at Ohio University.

Supplementary material available online

Supplementary Appendix

Notes

1. phpBB is a free bulletin board software that was used to create the password protected forum for the weekly online discussions.

2. Intellikeys is manufactured by Intellitools, Inc. of Frederick, CO.

3. Classroom Suite 4 is a software developed by Intellitools, Inc. of Frederick, CO.

4. Tech/Talk is a multi-level AAC device manufactured by Advanced Multimedia Devices, Inc. of NY.

5. Unity is a language system developed by Prentke Romich Company of Wooster, OH.

6. Step-by-Step is manufactured by AbleNet of Roseville, MN.

7. iPhone is manufactured by Apple, Inc.^® of Cupertino, CA.

8. iPad is manufactured by Apple, Inc. ^® of Cupertino, CA.

9. Hearing Them Into Voice is a 16-page instrument with 18 sections designed to outline the means by which a child communicates a variety of topics. It was developed by Sharon Rogers, PhD, CCC-SLP. Further information, including additional references related to development, can be found at: http://www.drsharonrogers.com/hearing-them-into-voice/