Speaking of Apraxia: A Parent’s Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Second Edi

At last, a parents’ guide to understanding, treating, and living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)!

Written in an empathic style by a parent who has “been there,” Speaking of Apraxia offers hope and practical advice for parents of toddlers to teens with this neurologically-based motor speech disorder. Parents and professionals will appreciate the author’s clear explanations of everything from diagnosing CAS and working with speech-language pathologists (SLPs), to understanding how to distinguish it from other speech disorders, and getting appropriate early intervention and special education support.

Eight years ago, when Leslie Lindsay, former Child and Adolescent Psychiatric R.N., and mother to a daughter with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)—now resolved—couldn’t find any parent-friendly books to help her child and family with CAS, she wrote one. Now she’s updated this well-researched book and shares with readers the benefit of her experience and perspective.

CAS is a neurological, motor-based speech disorder which creates a disruption to speech movement and timing. Even though children want to speak, the coordination difficulty results in limited and unclear speech. With intensive speech-language therapy, children can expand their speech ability and intelligibility. Speaking of Apraxia provides in-depth guidance and support for families of children with CAS and the professionals who provide services. It covers:

• introduction to speech, language & listening

• explanation of CAS

• what to do when you suspect your child has CAS

• getting a speech evaluation

• meeting with a speech-language pathologist

• getting the CAS diagnosis

• possible causes

• diagnoses related to CAS

• speech therapy best suited for CAS

• complementary & alternative approaches

• activities & materials to support therapy at home

• creating a language-rich environment for speech

• coping with CAS as a family

• understanding & tending to your child’s feelings

• networking, advocating & resources

• when CAS resolves, what’s next?

Supportive and encouraging, Speaking of Apraxia gives readers the detailed information they need to get working on all aspects of their child’s CAS. Additional helpful content includes resources, a glossary, and appendices about possible co-occurring conditions, health insurance, camp and enrichment programs, and speech and language milestones.