SLP Mommy of Apraxia

Tag: Differential Diagnosis and treatment for CAS

  • Minimal pair sort

    Minimal pair sort

    I have a little guy in therapy right now who has a difficult time with /st/ blends.  He consistently drops the /s/ in this blend only.  To bring awareness to what he saying, SLP’s many times employ what is referred to as “minimal pair” therapy.

    Minimal pairs are two words that are similar except for one sound.  Many times, minimal pairs rhyme if the only sound changed occurs at the beginning of the word.

    In this case, I created five minimal pairs found here: ST MINIMAL PAIRS

    I had him sort all initial /t/ words first.  He then traced his finger on the /s/ while making his “hissing sound” and then said the word.

    For example: “ssssssssssssss….tool.”  I then asked him what word he said, and we added the minimal pair “stool.”

    Having him physically sort the pictures and use his finger to trace the /s/ has a purpose.  Research is showing an increased connection between our hands and mouth.  (Think of when you’re trying to find a word you might circle your fingers etc).

    Having the child use their hands adds another pathway to the brain to aid in recall!

    Finally, save this tray because the possibilities are endless and I will have more ideas in the future.

  • First professional CAS presentation

    First professional CAS presentation

    I stood waiting 30 minutes early to enter the room.  The room where I would present information on my personal and professional experiences and knowledge about Childhood Apraxia of Speech for the first time at a professional conference.

    As the door opened, people started clammering for a seat.  I looked around thinking to myself, “are they sure they know they are coming to see me?”  I took my place at the front and started to set up my power point presentation.  My cousin, and SLP from a neighboring school district found me and gave me a much needed hug and wished me good luck.  It wasn’t long before the room was so full that the side door had to be opened.  People asked me if I could request more chairs.

    I started to feel sick and any hunger feeling I did have during this brief lunch break was long gone.

    Soon, people crowded in and just sat on the floor.  They sat in front and in back, and pulled up chairs in the back and side hallway.  I found my mentor in the hallway and leaned on her shoulder proclaiming I was about to be sick.   With a reassuring pat she sent me back in ordering I save her a chair in front.

    Soon the announcer came up to introduce me.  Nervously I chatted with him stalling for time.  As he said my name I experienced an almost out of body experience.  I heard him in the background, but I thought of Ashlynn.

    I thought of the two boys I had treated with apraxia before her, and how they came to me nonverbal in Kindergarten. I suddenly remembered that I’m giving this talk so that another child with apraxia doesn’t have to wait longer than they have to to find their voice.  To say their name.  To tell their parents they love them, or even call their parents by name.  I realized  I have an audience of well meaning, awesome professionals who wake up each morning and help children find their voice and I have first hand experience and professional experience on how to help them make that happen. It was clear from the number in attendance that they want to know more; so, with a big breath I began my presentation drawing strength from my little ones with apraxia who have to be braver than me in that moment,  EVERY moment of their young lives on their journey to find their voice.

    If the email inviting me back for next year is any indication, I hope I did them all proud.

    A link to my presentation is here: Importance of Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Approach in Childhood Apraxia of Speech