1
|
Preston JL, Caballero NF, Leece MC, Wang D, Herbst BM, Benway NR. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Treatment Distribution and Biofeedback Effects on Speech Production in School-Age Children With Apraxia of Speech. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:3414-3436. [PMID: 37611182 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines how ultrasound biofeedback and intensive treatment distribution affect speech sound generalization during an evidence-based treatment, Speech Motor Chaining, for children with persisting speech errors associated with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). METHOD In a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial, children ages 9-17 years meeting CAS criteria were randomized to receive (a) a distributed treatment (20 sessions twice weekly over 10 weeks) or intensive treatment (20 hr in 5 weeks, with 10 hr in Week 1) and (b) treatment with or without biofeedback. Due to the COVID pandemic, some participants were randomized to distributed/intensive telepractice treatment only. The primary outcome was percent target sounds correct on untreated phrases (i.e., generalization) at the 10-week time point. More than 50,000 narrow phonetic transcriptions were analyzed. RESULTS Forty-eight participants completed treatment. Intensive treatment significantly increased generalization at all time points. The effect of biofeedback was significant at 5 weeks from the start of treatment but not significant at the primary 10-week time point. However, when comparing each group immediately after their 20 hr of treatment finished, generalization was significantly greater in intensive over distributed treatment and greater in ultrasound over no-ultrasound treatment (with a significant interaction favoring intensive treatment with ultrasound). Only the advantage of intensive treatment remained significant 5 weeks after groups finished treatment. There was no significant difference between face-to-face and telepractice modalities. CONCLUSIONS When the number of treatment hours is fixed, an intensive schedule of Speech Motor Chaining facilitated greater improvement than a distributed schedule. Ultrasound biofeedback initially accelerated learning, but the benefits may dissipate as treatment continues or after it ends.
Collapse
|
2
|
Grigos MI, Case J, Lu Y, Lyu Z. Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing: Quantifying Speech Motor Changes and Individual Factors That Contribute to Treatment Gains in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:3359-3376. [PMID: 37379241 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Speech motor skill is refined over the course of practice, which is commonly reflected by increased accuracy and consistency. This research examined the relationship between auditory-perceptual ratings of word accuracy and measures of speech motor timing and variability at pre- and posttreatment in children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Furthermore, the degree to which individual patterns of baseline probe word accuracy, receptive language, and cognition predicted response to treatment was explored. METHOD Probe data were collected from seven children with CAS (aged 2;5-5;0 [years;months]) who received 6 weeks of Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) treatment. Using a multidimensional approach to measuring speech performance, auditory-perceptual (whole-word accuracy), acoustic (whole-word duration), and kinematic (jaw movement variability) analyses were conducted on probe words produced pre- and posttreatment. Standardized tests of receptive language and cognition were administered pretreatment. RESULTS There was a negative relationship between auditory-perceptual measures of word accuracy and movement variability. Higher word accuracy was associated with lower jaw movement variability following intervention. There was a strong relationship between word accuracy and word duration at baseline, which became less robust posttreatment. Furthermore, baseline word accuracy was the only child-specific factor to predict response to DTTC treatment. CONCLUSIONS Following a period of motor-based intervention, children with CAS appeared to refine speech motor control in conjunction with improvements in word accuracy. Those who demonstrated the poorest performance at treatment onset displayed the greatest degree of gains. Taken together, these results reflect a system-wide change following motor-based intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Grigos
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, NY
| | - Julie Case
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities, New York University, NY
| | - Zhuojun Lyu
- Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities, New York University, NY
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thomas D, Murray E, Williamson E, McCabe P. Weekly Treatment for Childhood Apraxia of Speech With Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment: A Single-Case Experimental Design Study. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:3392-3413. [PMID: 37536463 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to pilot the efficacy of rapid syllable transition (ReST) treatment when provided once per week for a 50-min treatment session for 12 weeks with five children with childhood apraxia of speech. Of central importance was the children's retention and generalization of gains from treatment as indicators of speech motor learning. METHOD A multiple-baseline across-participant design was employed to investigate (a) treatment effect on the 20 treated pseudowords, (b) generalization to 40 untreated real words and 10 untreated polysyllabic word sentences, and (c) maintenance of any treatment and generalization goals to up to 4 months posttreatment. To investigate any difference between in-session performance and retention, a comparison was made between data collected during treatment and probe sessions. RESULTS Treatment data collected during therapy showed all children improving across their 12 treatment sessions. Three of the five children showed a treatment effect on treated pseudowords in the probe sessions, but only one child showed generalization to untreated real words, and no children showed generalization to sentences. CONCLUSIONS ReST treatment delivered at a dose frequency of once per week was efficacious for only one of the five children. In-session treatment data were not a reliable indicator of children's learning. One session per week of ReST therapy is therefore not recommended. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23751018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donna Thomas
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Murray
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Remarkable Speech and Movement, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eliza Williamson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Patricia McCabe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maas E. Treatment for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Past, Present, and Future. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:3495-3520. [PMID: 38768073 DOI: 10.1044/2024_jslhr-23-00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purposes of this review article were to provide an introduction to and "bird's-eye" overview of the current evidence base for treatment of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), identify some gaps and trends in this rapidly growing literature, and formulate some future research directions, in order to advance the evidence base and clinical practice for children with CAS. METHOD Following a brief introduction outlining important concepts, a narrative review of the CAS treatment literature is provided, and trends and future directions are identified based on this review. The review is organized around four fundamental treatment research questions: (a) "Does Treatment X work?", (b) "Does Treatment X work better than Treatment Y?", (c) "For whom does Treatment X work?", and (d) "What does 'work' mean, anyway?" RESULTS A wide range of CAS treatments with varying degrees of evidence for efficacy exists. Research is beginning to emerge that compares different treatments and seeks to determine optimal treatment parameters. Few studies to date have explored child-level predictors of treatment response, and the evidence base currently is limited in scope with respect to populations and outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS A growing evidence base supports the efficacy of a number of treatments for CAS. However, many important gaps in the literature were identified that warrant redoubled and sustained research attention. Research is beginning to emerge that addresses treatment optimization, comparison, candidacy, and outcomes. Suggestions for future research are offered, and the concept of a hypothesized pathway was applied to CAS to illustrate how components of an intervention can effect change in a clinical goal and can help guide development and refinement of treatments for children with CAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Maas
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Case J, Caspari S, Aggarwal P, Stoeckel R. A Goal-Writing Framework for Motor-Based Intervention for Childhood Apraxia of Speech. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:1590-1607. [PMID: 38754036 DOI: 10.1044/2024_ajslp-24-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are multiple frameworks for goal writing that are applicable to the practice of speech-language pathology. Motor-based speech disorders are a subset of speech sound disorders that are thought to require specific elements of intervention that are typically not addressed in the traditional frameworks used in the clinical setting. The purpose of this tutorial is to review general approaches of goal writing and suggest additional elements that may be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment for childhood motor speech disorders, specifically childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). METHOD Existing models of goal writing were reviewed to ascertain elements common to most of these models. A basic framework was chosen and modified to include behaviors, conditions, and approaches to goal measurement tailored to the clinical needs of children with CAS. A resource for clinical decision making for children with CAS was developed to inform goal writing at the onset of treatment and adaptations that occur over the course of treatment. Case studies are presented to demonstrate how the presented framework can be applied to writing goals for motor-based treatment for two different children with CAS. DISCUSSION Children with CAS require a specialized approach to intervention, which requires goals to reflect the unique clinical needs of this population. This tutorial offers resources that use the best available research evidence and current understanding of effective treatment practices for CAS to guide clinical decision making for motor-based intervention and goal writing. This tutorial is intended to guide treatment planning across varied settings to facilitate progress and optimize treatment outcomes for children with CAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Case
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
| | - Susan Caspari
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Grigos MI, Case J, Lu Y, Lyu Z. Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing in Young Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Multiple Single-Case Design. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:1042-1071. [PMID: 38512002 PMCID: PMC11005957 DOI: 10.1044/2024_jslhr-23-00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a multivariate motor speech disorder that requires a motor-based intervention approach. There is limited treatment research on young children with CAS, reflecting a critical gap in the literature given that features of CAS are often in full expression early in development. Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) is a treatment approach designed for children with severe CAS, yet the use of DTTC with children younger than 3 years of age has not been examined. METHOD A multiple single-case design was employed to examine the use of DTTC in seven children with CAS (aged 2.5-5 years) over the course of 6 weeks of intervention. Changes in word accuracy were measured in treated words from baseline to posttreatment and from baseline to maintenance (6 weeks posttreatment). Generalization of word accuracy changes to matched untreated words was also examined. A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate the change in word accuracy for treated and untreated words across all children from baseline to posttreatment and to maintenance. A quasi-Poisson regression model was used to estimate mean change and calculate effect sizes for treated and untreated words. RESULTS Group-level analyses revealed significant changes in word accuracy for treated and untreated words at posttreatment and maintenance. At the child level, six of seven children displayed medium-to-large effect sizes where word accuracy increased in an average of 3.4/5 words across all children. Each child displayed some degree of generalization to untreated targets, specifically for words with the same syllable shape as the treated words. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that DTTC can yield positive change in some young children with CAS. Key differences in each child's performance are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria I. Grigos
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, NY
| | - Julie Case
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities, New York University, NY
| | - Zhuojun Lyu
- Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities, New York University, NY
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Korkalainen MJ, McCabe P, Smidt A, Morgan C. Outcomes of a novel single case study incorporating Rapid Syllable Transition treatment, AAC and blended intervention in children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:167-176. [PMID: 35576498 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2071488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Motor speech and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions are commonly used with children with cerebral palsy (CP) but there is limited literature comparing the effectiveness of these interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intensive AAC, Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST), and blended intervention, a combination of motor-speech and AAC, on speech accuracy and sentence length and complexity. METHODS A single case experimental design across participants with repeated measurements across phases (ABACADA design) was used. Four participants aged 8-14 years with CP who used a speech-generating device (SGD) received three 6-week intervention blocks that included ReST, AAC, and blended intervention. Measures were taken during intervention and baseline phases and at maintenance two and four weeks after the last intervention phase. Participants were randomized to starting with either ReST or AAC with the blended intervention delivered last. RESULTS All participants improved their speech accuracy and sentence length and complexity in speech and with their SGD in all three interventions. The data demonstrated overall immediacy of the effect with all interventions and retention of gains across the whole sequence of phases. The order of AAC or ReST interventions or the severity of CP did not impact the intervention gains. CONCLUSION This study suggests that intensive AAC, a multi-modal approach, and ReST improve speech accuracy and sentence length and complexity in children with moderate CP, but all require further investigation.Implications for rehabilitationIn this paper intensive AAC intervention with a speech generating device (SGD), ReST treatment and multimodal blended intervention were effective in improving speech accuracy and sentence length and complexity in both verbal speech and on communication with the SGD.ReST treatment has not been used with children with CP before. This study established a proof of concept for its effectiveness in children with CP. Further research is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Johanna Korkalainen
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patricia McCabe
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andy Smidt
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Morgan
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vuolo J, Kinross A, DeHart K. Manual Rhythmic Sequencing Skills in Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:3773-3790. [PMID: 37672791 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhythm is one procedural mechanism that underlies language and motor skill acquisition and has been implicated in children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The purpose of this study is to investigate manual rhythmic sequencing skills in children with a history of or current CAS (hx/CAS) compared to children with typical development (TD). METHOD Thirty-eight children (18 with hx/CAS, 20 with TD), ages 5;0-12;8 (years;months), from across the United States participated in an online study. Participants imitated two rhythms in two different conditions, clapping and tapping. We assessed overall accuracy, mean number of beats, pause marking, and rhythmic sequence variability using the Mann-Whitney U test. Effect sizes were calculated to examine the influence of coordinative complexity on performance. RESULTS Compared to children with TD, children with hx/CAS marked fewer trials with a pause in both conditions of the easier rhythm and showed lower overall accuracy and more variable rhythmic sequences in both rhythms and conditions. The mean number of beats produced by children with hx/CAS and children with TD did not differ in three out of four rhythms/conditions. Unlike children with TD, children with hx/CAS showed little improvement from clapping to tapping across most dependent measures; reducing coordination demands did not improve performance in children with hx/CAS. CONCLUSIONS We found that children with hx/CAS show manual rhythmic deficits that are similar to the deficits they display in speech. These findings provide support for a domain-general cognitive mechanisms account of the rhythmic deficits observed across linguistic and nonlinguistic tasks in children with hx/CAS. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24052821.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Vuolo
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | | | - Katlyn DeHart
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vuolo J. Articulatory and segmental performance in children with and without speech disorder: A multiple case pilot study. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2023; 37:935-957. [PMID: 35971981 PMCID: PMC9931931 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2022.2108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This multiple case pilot study explored how nonword imitation influences articulatory and segmental performance in children with and without speech disorder. Eight children, ages 4- to 8-years-old, participated, including two children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), four children with phonological disorder (PD), and two children with typical development (TD). Tokens included two complexity types and were presented in random order. Minimal feedback was provided and nonwords were never associated with a referent. Kinematic and transcription data were analysed to examine articulatory variability, segmental accuracy, and segmental variability in session 1 and session 5. Descriptive statistics, percent change, effect sizes, and Pearson correlations are reported. In session 1, the two participants with CAS showed high articulatory variability, low segmental accuracy, and high segmental variability compared to the participants with PD and TD. By session 5, both participants with CAS, two with PD, and one with TD showed increased articulatory variability in the lowest complexity nonword. Segmental accuracy remained low and variability remained high for the two participants with CAS in session 5, whereas several participants with PD and TD showed improved segmental performance. Articulatory and segmental variability were not significantly correlated. The results of this study suggest that motor practice with minimal feedback and no assignment of a lexical referent can instantiate positive changes to segmental performance for children without apraxia. Positive changes to segmental performance are not necessarily related to increased articulatory control; these two processing levels can show distinct and disparate learning trajectories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Vuolo
- Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Korkalainen J, McCabe P, Smidt A, Morgan C. The Effectiveness of Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment in Improving Communication in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Dev Neurorehabil 2023; 26:309-319. [PMID: 37401894 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2023.2218485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement disorder and majority of children with CP have communication impairments which impact participation with this population. Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST) is a motor speech intervention primarily for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). A recent pilot study in which ReST was trialed with children with CP showed improved speech performance. Therefore, a single blind randomized controlled trial to compare ReST to usual care with 14 children with moderate-to-severe CP and dysarthria was conducted. ReST was provided on telehealth. ANCOVA with 95% confidence intervals indicated significant group differences in favor of ReST in speech accuracy (F = 5.1, p = .001), intelligibility (F = 2.8, p = .02) and communicative participation on both the FOCUS (F = 2, p = .02) and Intelligibility in Context Scale (F = 2.4, p = .04). ReST was found to be more effective than usual care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andy Smidt
- The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Morgan
- The University of Sydney, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Brain Mind Centre, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wong ECH, Wong MN, Velleman SL, Tong MCF, Lee KYS. Lexical tone perception and production in Cantonese-speaking children with childhood apraxia of speech: a pilot study. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2023; 37:316-329. [PMID: 35678458 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2022.2074310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a paediatric motor speech disorder. We investigated the lexical tone perception and production abilities of children with CAS and the relationships between the two. Three children with CAS, aged between 3;7 and 5;8, were given the Cantonese Tone Identification Test (CANTIT) and the Hong Kong Cantonese Articulation Test (HKCAT) for assessment of tone perception and production, respectively. Accuracy and error patterns were investigated based on their performance on the two tests. Correlation analysis was performed on children's perception and production scores. Two children scored at the lowest rank on the CANTIT, while one child obtained a Z score of 0. All children scored three standard deviations below the mean on the HKCAT. No statistical differences were found among the six tones with respect to perception accuracy, H(5) = 3.731, p = 0.589. Error analysis showed that children with CAS demonstrated more confusion on perceiving tones compared with TD peers. There were no main effects for task (F(1,2) = 0.040, p = 0.859) or tone (F(5,10 = 0.997, p = 0.467); nor were there task or tone interaction effects on perception versus production accuracy (F(5,10) = 1.772, p = 0.206). Tone perception and production accuracy were not significantly correlated (r2 = 0.181, p = 0.078). Tone perception deficits were evident in two out of three children with CAS, while all children had lexical tone production difficulties. In this small sample, tone production was more universally affected than tone perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eddy C H Wong
- Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Min Ney Wong
- Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Research Centre for Language, Cognition, and Neuroscience, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Shelley L Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Michael C F Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & the Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kathy Y S Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & the Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wong ECH, Wong MN, Velleman SL. Clinical practice of childhood apraxia of speech in Hong Kong: A web-based survey study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284109. [PMID: 37027373 PMCID: PMC10081777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A survey study on clinical practice not only provides insight into the implementation of knowledge, but also informs future investigations. There is a limited understanding of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) in Cantonese speakers. This study examined the clinical practice of CAS in Hong Kong and discussed future directions of research for better evidence-based practice. METHODS Qualified Hong Kong pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) completed the online questionnaire, which had a total of 48 questions regarding their knowledge of and experience with CAS in Cantonese speakers, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS Seventy-seven responses were received from Hong Kong SLPs. Most of the SLPs (83.2%) rated their understanding of CAS as either "a little" or "fair". About half (53.2%) of the respondents had worked with children with CAS. No standardized assessment or objective/quantitative measures were used clinically. Instead, seven assessment tasks, including imitation of polysyllabic words and speech and language samples were used commonly. Perceptual judgment of clinical features is still the most popular approach for diagnosis, with a variety of lists in use. Of concern was that, in addition to using some evidence-based approaches, local SLPs treated CAS using approaches that have limited evidence, in the context of less treatment frequency, targeting both speech and language skills within the same session, and with only partial implementation of the approaches. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the understanding of CAS among local SLPs requires attention. One reason for this is that evidence regarding the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Cantonese speakers with CAS is still limited. Future investigations are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eddy C. H. Wong
- The Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, Faculty of Humanities, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min N. Wong
- The Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, Faculty of Humanities, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for Language, Cognition, and Neuroscience, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shelley L. Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McCabe P, Preston JL, Evans P, Heard R. A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of Motor-Based Treatments for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment and Ultrasound Biofeedback. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:629-644. [PMID: 36848673 PMCID: PMC10171856 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Both Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST) and ultrasound biofeedback are effective approaches to treating childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The purpose of the study was to compare outcomes from these two motor-based treatment approaches for school-age children with CAS. METHOD In a single site, single blind randomized control trial, 14 children with CAS ages 6-13 years were randomly assigned to 12 sessions over 6 weeks of either of ultrasound biofeedback treatment (with a speech motor chaining practice structure) or ReST. Treatment was delivered at The University of Sydney by students trained and supervised by certified speech-language pathologists. Transcriptions from blinded assessors were used to compare the two groups on speech sound accuracy (percent phonemes correct) and prosodic severity (lexical stress errors and syllable segregation) in untreated words and sentences at three time points: pretreatment, immediately posttreatment, and 1-month posttreatment (i.e., retention). RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvement on treated items indicating a treatment effect. At no time was there a difference between groups. Both groups showed a significant improvement in speech sound accuracy on untreated words and sentences from pre to post and neither group showed an improvement in prosody pre-post. Changes to speech sound accuracy were retained by both groups at 1-month follow-up. Significant improvement in prosodic accuracy was reported at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS ReST and ultrasound biofeedback were equally effective. Either ReST or ultrasound biofeedback may be viable treatment options for school-age children with CAS. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22114661.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pippa Evans
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rob Heard
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Spencer C, Davison KE, Boucher AR, Zuk J. Speech Perception Variability in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Implications for Assessment and Intervention. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2022; 53:969-984. [PMID: 36054844 PMCID: PMC9911093 DOI: 10.1044/2022_lshss-21-00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Beyond hallmark production deficits characterizing childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), largely attributed to disruption(s) in speech motor planning, children with CAS often present with co-occurring speech perception and language difficulties. Thus, careful consideration of the potential for speech perception difficulties to have cascading downstream effects on intervention responsiveness and real-life functioning for some children with CAS is highly important. The purpose of this tutorial was to consider the impact of speech perception abilities in children with CAS, which carries implications for caring for the needs of the whole child. METHOD This tutorial summarizes the current literature on speech perception and how it relates to speech production, language, and reading abilities for children with CAS. We include case illustrations that are adapted from real clinical scenarios illustrating how speech perception difficulties may impact some children with CAS and provide recommendations for incorporating speech perception into assessment and intervention practices. RESULTS Although speech perception difficulties do not seem to be a core deficit of CAS, they are strongly linked to language difficulties, which are highly prevalent among children with CAS. Speech perception and language difficulties are also associated with reading difficulties and risk for lower academic achievement. CONCLUSIONS Children with CAS who have co-occurring language difficulties likely also demonstrate speech perception deficits, which puts them at heightened risk for reading difficulties and struggles with academic achievement. Comprehensive assessment of children with CAS should address speech perception and production, language, and reading abilities, which carries important implications for multifaceted approaches to intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Spencer
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, MA
| | - Kelsey E. Davison
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, MA
| | - Alyssa R. Boucher
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, MA
| | - Jennifer Zuk
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, MA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ng WL, McCabe P, Heard R, Park V, Murray E, Thomas D. Predicting Treatment Outcomes in Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:1784-1799. [PMID: 35486543 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of treatment outcomes in Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST) for childhood apraxia of speech through an individual participant data meta-analysis. METHOD A systematic literature search identified nine ReST studies for inclusion. Individual participant data were obtained, and studies were coded for methodological design, baseline participant characteristics, service delivery factors, and treatment outcomes. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential predictor variables. Multiple linear regressions were then performed to identify predictors of treatment outcomes. RESULTS Data for 36 participants from seven studies were included in the statistical analyses. In multivariate modeling, better performance on treated pseudowords posttreatment was predicted by higher baseline expressive language and Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation scores, lower speech inconsistency and percentage of vowels correct, and higher pretreatment accuracy on pseudoword targets. Better performance on untreated real words posttreatment was predicted by higher pretreatment accuracy on real words. Gains in performance and retention of gains were not significantly predicted by any individual variable or combination of variables. CONCLUSIONS Baseline speech and expressive language skills and accuracy on pseudowords and real words were significant predictors of absolute posttreatment performance. Regardless of baseline characteristics, all children were statistically as likely to achieve gains during ReST and retain these gains for up to 4 weeks posttreatment. Large-scale prospective research is required to further examine the effects of dose frequency and co-occurring language impairments on treatment outcomes and the complex co-effects of percentage of vowels correct with other potential predictors. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19611714.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lin Ng
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Rob Heard
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Veronica Park
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Donna Thomas
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Iuzzini-Seigel J, Allison KM, Stoeckel R. A Tool for Differential Diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Dysarthria in Children: A Tutorial. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2022; 53:926-946. [PMID: 35523425 DOI: 10.1044/2022_lshss-21-00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE While there has been mounting research centered on the diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), little has focused on differentiating CAS from pediatric dysarthria. Because CAS and dysarthria share overlapping speech symptoms and some children have both motor speech disorders, differential diagnosis can be challenging. There is a need for clinical tools that facilitate assessment of both CAS and dysarthria symptoms in children. The goals of this tutorial are to (a) determine confidence levels of clinicians in differentially diagnosing dysarthria and CAS and (b) provide a systematic procedure for differentiating CAS and pediatric dysarthria in children. METHOD Evidence related to differential diagnosis of CAS and dysarthria is reviewed. Next, a web-based survey of 359 pediatric speech-language pathologists is used to determine clinical confidence levels in diagnosing CAS and dysarthria. Finally, a checklist of pediatric auditory-perceptual motor speech features is presented along with a procedure to identify CAS and dysarthria in children with suspected motor speech impairments. Case studies illustrate application of this protocol, and treatment implications for complex cases are discussed. RESULTS The majority (60%) of clinician respondents reported low or no confidence in diagnosing dysarthria in children, and 40% reported they tend not to make this diagnosis as a result. Going forward, clinicians can use the feature checklist and protocol in this tutorial to support the differential diagnosis of CAS and dysarthria in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating this diagnostic protocol into clinical practice should help increase confidence and accuracy in diagnosing motor speech disorders in children. Future research should test the sensitivity and specificity of this protocol in a large sample of children with varying speech sound disorders. Graduate programs and continuing education trainings should provide opportunities to practice rating speech features for children with dysarthria and CAS. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19709146.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Kristen M Allison
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Ruth Stoeckel
- Division of Neurology, Department of Speech Pathology, Mayo Clinic (retired), Rochester, MN
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Scarcella I, Michelazzo L, McCabe P. A Pilot Single-Case Experimental Design Study of Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment for Italian Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:1496-1510. [PMID: 33830791 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Background The Rapid Syllable Transition (ReST) treatment is an effective intervention designed to address the planning and programming disorder found in childhood apraxia of speech. To date, no study has considered its use with children who speak languages other than English. Aim This pilot study aimed to examine the use of ReST treatment with Italian children. We hypothesized that the ReST approach would improve the overall accuracy of the targeted behaviors of lexical stress, smoothness, and phonemic accuracy, whereas phonemic and phonetic accuracy of untreated items would remain stable. Method Two monolingual Italian-speaking children with childhood apraxia of speech received therapy in 12 one-hour sessions, 2-3 times per week, using a single-case experimental design. The treatment procedures used in English were replicated in Italian with one change: In English, two stress patterns are treated. Italian commonly uses three stress patterns; therefore, the stimuli were modified accordingly. Accuracy of articulation, lexical stress, and smoothness were assessed at pretreatment and 1 day, 1 week, and 4 months posttreatment in treated and untreated pseudowords and in real words and sentences. Results Both children improved on treated pseudowords and real words with moderate effect sizes, but only one child generalized to untreated pseudowords. Maintenance of treatment results was observed in both participants. Articulation of control phonemes did not change. Conclusions ReST treatment in Italian is feasible, and a treatment effect was found, showing that its use may be valid in languages other than English. Further research is required. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14348060.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Scarcella
- The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Patricia McCabe
- The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|