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Turner Swartz M, Hitchcock ER, Leece MC, Herbst BM, Preston JL. Caregiver and child perspectives of wellbeing in school-age children with childhood apraxia of speech. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39148437 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2024.2364808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a communication deficit that impacts a child's overall quality of life, including their academic and social interactions, yet few studies have investigated the impact from the child's perspective. Using The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework, we examined the children's and caregivers' perspectives on the impact of CAS on their overall wellbeing. METHOD Survey data were collected from 32 child-caregiver dyads for children ages 9-17 years with CAS. Items elicited responses along a 5-point scale to examine the perceived impact of children's speech impairments using the framework, including impact on communication, interpersonal interactions/relationships, and major life events. RESULT Results from non-parametric statistical analyses revealed: (a) caregivers reported a significantly greater impact than children across individual ICF domains; (b) child responses were not significantly correlated with their caregiver's responses or with the child's age, gender, or severity indicators; and (c) both caregivers and children indicated the domain of communication was impacted more than other domains. CONCLUSION Results suggest a potential disconnect in the perceived impact of CAS between the caregiver and child. Recommendations include facilitating a dialogue between the child-caregiver dyad and considering treatment goals that address wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Turner Swartz
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elaine R Hitchcock
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Megan C Leece
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Benedette M Herbst
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan L Preston
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Maas E. Treatment for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Past, Present, and Future. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024:1-26. [PMID: 38768073 DOI: 10.1044/2024_jslhr-23-00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Maas
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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Lewis BA, Miller GJ, Iyengar SK, Stein C, Benchek P. Long-Term Outcomes for Individuals With Childhood Apraxia of Speech. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37734154 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study's primary aims were to describe the long-term speech outcomes for adolescents and young adults with a history of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and to examine the association of persistent speech sound errors with measures of literacy skills, phonological processing, motor speech production, and parent report of early motor difficulty. METHOD Data from a large longitudinal 25-year study were used to explore outcomes for 32 individuals with a history of CAS, ages 12;6 (years;months) to 25 years (M = 17.4, SD = 4.7). Persistent and nonpersistent groups were compared on decoding, phonological processing, multisyllabic word repetition, diadochokinetic rate, and parent report of motor involvement. Parametric (Welch's t tests) and nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon and Fisher exact tests) were used to identify differences between the groups' distributions. Developmental trajectories of speech production were plotted. RESULTS Outcomes for individuals with CAS are highly variable, with some demonstrating speech sound errors into adolescence and young adulthood. Speech sound errors were primarily on later developing sounds. Persistence was significantly associated with early motor difficulties. Difficulties with multisyllabic words, phonological processing, and literacy were often present regardless of persistence or nonpersistence of speech errors. CONCLUSIONS Children with CAS are at risk for persistent speech sound errors into adulthood. For children showing limited progress with more traditional speech therapy, alternative interventions should be explored. Individuals with persistent speech sound errors are more likely to have a history of early motor deficits. Regardless of persistence, participants with CAS demonstrated ongoing weaknesses in literacy, phonological processing skills, and complex speech production tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Lewis
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Gabrielle J Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sudha K Iyengar
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Catherine Stein
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Penelope Benchek
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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Velleman SL, Guimaraes VN, Klein-Tasman BP, Huffman MJ, Becerra AM, Mervis CB. Relations Between Selective Mutism and Speech Sound Disorder in Children With 7q11.23 Duplication Syndrome. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37678220 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore relations between speech sound disorder severity and selective mutism in a group of children with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome (Dup7), a genetic condition predisposing children to childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and other speech sound disorders and to anxiety disorders, including selective mutism and social anxiety disorder. METHOD Forty-nine children aged 4-17 years with genetically confirmed Dup7 completed the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation-Second Edition (GFTA-2), the Expressive Vocabulary Test-Second Edition (EVT-2), and the Differential Ability Scales-Second Edition (DAS-II). Parents completed the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-Parent (ADIS-P). RESULTS Mean standard scores (SSs) were 65.67 for the GFTA-2, 92.73 for the EVT-2, and 82.69 for the DAS-II General Conceptual Ability (GCA; similar to IQ). Standard deviations for all measures were larger than for the general population. GFTA-2 SS was significantly correlated with both EVT-2 SS and DAS-II GCA. Based on the ADIS-P, 22 participants (45%) were diagnosed with selective mutism and 29 (59%) were diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. No significant differences in performance on any of the measures were found either between the group with a selective mutism diagnosis and the group that did not have selective mutism or between the group with a selective mutism and/or social anxiety disorder diagnosis and the group that did not have either disorder. CONCLUSIONS For children with Dup7, neither the diagnosis of selective mutism nor the diagnosis of selective mutism and/or social anxiety disorder was related to severity of speech sound disorder, expressive vocabulary ability, or overall intellectual ability. Accordingly, treatment for speech sound disorder alone is unlikely to lead to remission of selective mutism or social anxiety disorder. Instead, selective mutism and/or social anxiety disorder should be treated directly. Further research is needed to determine if these findings generalize to other populations, such as children with idiopathic CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Vitor N Guimaraes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, KY
| | | | - Myra J Huffman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, KY
| | - Angela M Becerra
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, KY
| | - Carolyn B Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, KY
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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 2023:1-23. [PMID: 37611182 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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.
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Keller S, Maas E. Self-Reported Communication Attitudes of Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech: An Exploratory Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:1806-1824. [PMID: 36630889 PMCID: PMC10561972 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Much of the research literature on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) has focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating the impairment, rather than examining its functional effect on children's daily lives. This study focuses on the Personal Factors component of the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth Version Framework. Specifically, the purpose was to examine the self-reported communication attitudes of children with CAS. METHOD Two validated communication attitude questionnaires were administered to 12 children with CAS enrolled in an intensive speech-focused intervention (age range: 4-10 years old). Children's scores were compared to the questionnaires' typically developing norms. Descriptive analyses explored relationships between communication attitude and CAS severity, caregiver perceptions of communicative participation, frustration ratings during therapy, and change in communication attitude over a brief time. RESULTS Older (ages 6-10 years) but not younger (ages 4-5;11 [years;months]) children with CAS were more likely to have negative attitudes about their speech. No clear relationships were observed between communication attitudes and caregiver perceptions of communicative participation; small positive relationships were observed between communication attitude and frustration during therapy. For the younger children, there was also a relationship with CAS severity. For most children, no change in communication attitude was observed over a brief period, though one child appeared to develop more negative and one appeared to develop more positive attitudes. CONCLUSIONS These initial findings suggest that older children with CAS may be at greater risk for negative communication attitudes than their peers without CAS. The findings also highlight the need to include more child self-report measures in research. Further implications for CAS assessment and intervention are discussed. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21834432.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Keller
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Edwin Maas
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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Cassar C, McCabe P, Cumming S. "I still have issues with pronunciation of words": A mixed methods investigation of the psychosocial and speech effects of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 25:193-205. [PMID: 35034534 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2021.2018496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescents with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) are likely to have persistent speech errors compared to non-CAS peers (Lewis et al., 2018) and may have ongoing psychosocial issues (e.g. Carrigg, Parry, Baker, Shriberg, & Ballard, 2016). Beyond this, little is known about the long-term consequences of CAS in adulthood. This study explored whether adults who were reported to have had CAS as children have ongoing psychosocial or speech impacts. METHOD A cross-sectional descriptive design, with mixed-method analyses of demographic, psychosocial, and speech data was used. Data were collected via a four-part online survey. Part one consisted of questions about demographic information and participants' self-reported performance in speech, language and literacy. Parts two and three investigated the psychosocial impacts of CAS using the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale - Revised (BFNE- R) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Part four collected single word and connected speech data via an online audio recording, which was then transcribed following the Connected Speech Transcription Protocol (CoST-P). Analyses of speech characteristics reported in CAS was completed using Phon software. RESULT There were 17 participants in part one, 16 in parts two and three, and six in part four. Participants reported elevated levels of state (p = 0.01) and trait (p = 0.0001) anxiety compared to normative data. Ongoing segmental and suprasegmental speech errors were observed, with a significant difference between percent phonemes correct in single words versus connected speech (p = 0.03). Participants who provided a speech sample had difficulty with correct stress, use of juncture, and had increased intra- and inter-word segregation. Participants with better speech reported less anxiety. CONCLUSION Psychosocial effects and speech characteristics associated with CAS in childhood appear to persist into adulthood. Confirmation of these results and research to determine treatment and psychosocial support needs past early childhood is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Cassar
- The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Liverpool Hospital, South West Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Patricia McCabe
- The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Liverpool Hospital, South West Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
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Kokotek LE, Cunningham BJ, Washington KN. Construct validity of the focus on the outcomes of communication under six (FOCUS) total and profile scores for multilingual preschoolers: Considering functional speech skills. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 25:245-255. [PMID: 35220834 PMCID: PMC10078616 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2037709] [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] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct an exploratory study to establish construct validity of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS) in the Jamaican context for FOCUS Total and Profile scores. METHOD Parents of a representative sample of 3-to-6-year-old Jamaican Creole (JC)-English-speaking simultaneous bilingual children completed the FOCUS in English, and the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) in JC and in English. Children completed the Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology (DEAP) in both languages. Percent phonemes, consonants, and vowels correct were calculated using single word responses to DEAP items. Pearson correlations were completed to describe relationships between measurement scores. RESULT Convergent validity was found for FOCUS Total and ICS/JC scores. Convergent and divergent validity were found for specific FOCUS Profile scores and ICS/JC scores. Minimal evidence of convergent validity was found with FOCUS Total scores and transcription-based measures of speech production in JC and in English. Convergent and divergent validity were found between specific FOCUS Profile scores and some transcription-based measures of speech production in JC and in English. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence of construct validity for FOCUS Total and Profile scores. It also provides validity evidence for FOCUS scores in a multilingual context using a representative sample of children that serves to broaden the range of applicability of the FOCUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E. Kokotek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Barbara Jane Cunningham
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, CA
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, CA
| | - Karla N. Washington
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Kokotek LE, Washington KN. Characterizing Communicative Participation in Multilingual Jamaican Preschoolers. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:658-674. [PMID: 36827540 PMCID: PMC10171857 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study characterized communicative participation and related aspects of functional communication for Jamaican Creole (JC)-English-speaking preschoolers with and without functionally defined speech sound disorders (fSSDs). This study included parent reports and direct assessment measures from an existing corpus of baseline data collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD The communicative participation of typically developing (TD; n = 226) bilingual JC-English-speaking preschoolers and those with fSSDs (n = 39) was documented using the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS). Functional speech intelligibility was recorded using the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) in English and JC (ICS-JC). Objective measures of speech production were collected through direct child assessment in both languages and then transcribed and calculated for percent of consonants (PCC), vowels (PVC), and phonemes correct (PPC). Within-group relationships were explored using association testing, and differences between groups were explored through multivariate analyses. RESULTS FOCUS scores and ICS and ICS-JC scores were found to be minimally to moderately related for Jamaican preschoolers in the TD group (r = .28-.34, p < .002) and strongly related in the fSSD group (r = .56-.60, p < .002). No relations were observed between the FOCUS scores and PCC/PVC/PPC in either language. There was a statistically significant difference between all FOCUS scores for Jamaican preschoolers in the TD and fSSD groups (p ≤ .002). CONCLUSIONS These findings provide additional evidence for using the FOCUS beyond documenting change in communicative participation to support clinical decision-making in planning and developing speech-language interventions. This study also documents an important characterization of JC-English-speaking children with and without fSSDs, offering data on children's abilities that can be used in future comparisons of communicative participation and speech functioning observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E. Kokotek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Karla N. Washington
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, NY
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Connaghan KP, Baylor C, Romanczyk M, Rickwood J, Bedell G. Communication and Social Interaction Experiences of Youths With Congenital Motor Speech Disorders. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 31:2609-2627. [PMID: 36215658 PMCID: PMC9911099 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the communication and social interaction experiences of adolescents with congenital motor speech disorders due to cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, with the aim of identifying clinical and research needs to support the development and implementation of speech-language interventions. METHOD Five male youths (ages 14-18 years) with congenital motor speech disorders and one of their parents participated in face-to-face, semistructured interviews designed to understand communication and social experiences in daily life. Interviews were audio-recorded and orthographically transcribed offline. Content was coded according to topic areas emerging in the data. Themes were developed to illustrate the most salient and representative aspects of participants' experiences according to the phenomenological tradition that recognizes that participants are experts in their "lived experience." RESULTS Participants described the youths' day-to-day communication experiences, including facilitators and barriers to successful social interactions. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (a) strong core relationships amidst sparse, superficial interactions in daily life; (b) the complicated picture of why; and (c) how speech-language pathologists can help. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported that the impact of congenital motor speech disorders on social interactions and experiences became more apparent in adolescence than in earlier childhood. Addressing communication challenges to meet the unique social demands of this period requires tailored interventions that target multiple contributing factors beyond speech impairment, such as social communication skills, negative communication partner attitudes, and participation opportunities. Shifting practice toward a life participation approach to communication intervention stands to substantially improve the long-term social outcomes of adolescents with motor speech disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P. Connaghan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Carolyn Baylor
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Megan Romanczyk
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica Rickwood
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Gary Bedell
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, MA
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Vaillant E, Oostrom KJ, Beckerman H, Vermeulen JR, Buizer AI, Geytenbeek JJM. Convergent validity of functional communication tools and spoken language comprehension assessment in children with cerebral palsy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2022; 57:963-976. [PMID: 35637603 PMCID: PMC9796366 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience challenges in functional communication from a young age. A pivotal aspect of functional communication is language comprehension. A variety of classification systems and questionnaires are available to classify and describe functional communication skills in children with CP. A better understanding of the convergent validity of (subsections of) these tools, as well as their relationship with spoken language comprehension, will be valuable in both clinical practice and research. AIMS To investigate the convergent validity of (subsections of) functional communication tools and the relationship with spoken language comprehension in children with CP. METHODS & PROCEDURES Cross-sectional data on 138 children were subdivided into three developmental stages based on (Dutch) educational phases: ages 18 months-3;11y (n = 59), 4;0-5;11 years (n = 37) and 6;0-8;11 years (n = 42). The following functional communication tools were used to classify and describe functional communication: Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), subscales of the Caregivers Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities-Dutch Version (CPCHILD-DV) and the Focus on Communication Under Six-34 (FOCUS-34) questionnaire. Spoken language comprehension was assessed with the Computer-Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT). Correlations between the functional communication tools, and with the C-BiLLT, were calculated using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients. It was hypothesized a priori that correlations of at least 0.60 suggest good convergent validity. OUTCOMES & RESULTS At all developmental stages, a significant ordered decreasing tendency of communication outcomes was found across CFCS levels; lower CFCS levels were associated with lower scores on the CPCHILD-DV and FOCUS-34, and with a lower level of spoken language comprehension (C-BiLLT). Correlation coefficients of the functional communication tools exceeded 0.60 at all developmental stages. Correlations between C-BiLLT raw scores and the functional communication tools varied between 0.351 and 0.591 at developmental stage 18 months-3;11 years, between 0.781 and 0.897 at developmental stage 4;0-5;11 years, and between 0.635 and 0.659 at developmental stage 6;0-8;11 years. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The functional communication tools assessed in this study showed convergent validity at all developmental stages. The CFCS, currently most widely used in paediatric rehabilitation, is adequate in the classification of functional communication. However, for more detailed clinical goal setting and evaluation of change in functional communication, the additional use of FOCUS-34 or CPCHILD-DV is recommended. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject A range of functional communication tools are available that help describe and classify functional communication in children with CP. These include the CFCS, subsections of CPCHILD-DV and FOCUS-34. The CFCS classifies functional communication in daily life with familiar and unfamiliar partners. Specific subsections of the CPCHILD-DV and FOCUS-34 include items that pertain to communicative participation. The innovative C-BiLLT provides a standardized method to assess spoken language comprehension in children with CP and significant motor impairments. What this paper adds to existing knowledge In the present study, convergent validity was confirmed between CFCS and specific subsections of the CPCHILD-DV and FOCUS-34. Correlations between these functional communication tools and the C-BiLLT were moderate to strong. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? For clinical and research purposes (for instance, accurate prescription of augmentative and alternative communication-AAC), healthcare and educational professionals together with parents need to know how functional communication tools converge and how functional communication levels relate to the comprehension of spoken language. The CFCS provides a valid classification of functional communication abilities in children with CP. However, to measure change in functional communication and to evaluate treatment outcomes, use of additional functional communication tools such as the CPCHILD-DV and FOCUS-34 is recommended. When discrepancies are found between communicative abilities and spoken language comprehension, it is strongly recommended that valid tools are used in a more detailed examination of the child's spoken language comprehension skills and functional communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Vaillant
- Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation MedicineCP Expertise CenterAmsterdam Movement SciencesDe Boelelaan 1117Amsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Kim J. Oostrom
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Emma Children's HospitalDepartment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial CareAmsterdam Reproduction and Development, Meibergdreef 9Amsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Heleen Beckerman
- Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation MedicineCP Expertise CenterAmsterdam Movement SciencesDe Boelelaan 1117Amsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen R. Vermeulen
- Maastricht UMC+Department of NeurologySchool of Mental Health and Neuro ScienceMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Annemieke I. Buizer
- Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation MedicineCP Expertise CenterAmsterdam Movement SciencesDe Boelelaan 1117Amsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Johanna J. M. Geytenbeek
- Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation MedicineCP Expertise CenterAmsterdam Movement SciencesDe Boelelaan 1117Amsterdamthe Netherlands
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Lewis BA, Benchek P, Tag J, Miller G, Freebairn L, Taylor HG, Iyengar SK, Stein CM. Psychosocial Comorbidities in Adolescents With Histories of Childhood Apraxia of Speech. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:2572-2588. [PMID: 34609155 PMCID: PMC9132062 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Adolescent psychosocial outcomes of individuals with histories of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) were compared to outcomes of individuals with histories of speech sound disorders (SSD) only and SSD with language impairment (LI). It was hypothesized that individuals with more severe and persistent disorders such as CAS would report poorer psychosocial outcomes. Method Groups were compared using analyses of variance on a psychosocial assessment battery that included measures of hyperactivity and inattention, anxiety, depression, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, thought problems, and social outcomes. Results Results revealed significant group differences on self-report of social problems and parent report of hyperactivity, thought problems, and social problems at adolescence. Compared to the SSD-only group, the CAS group had significantly higher parental ratings of hyperactivity and social problems in adolescence. The CAS and SSD + LI groups did not differ on psychosocial measures, possibly due to the high rate of comorbid LI in the CAS group. The CAS group also had more individuals who scored in the borderline/clinical range on self-report of social problems than the SSD-only group. The CAS group did not differ from the SSD + LI group in the number of participants scoring in the borderline/clinical range on measures. Conclusions Individuals with histories of CAS demonstrate increased rates of social problems and hyperactivity based on parent ratings compared to adolescents with histories of SSD only; however, most do not score within the clinical range. The persistence of speech sound errors combined with self-reported and parent-reported social difficulties suggests that speech-language pathologists should be sensitive to the social and emotional impact of CAS and make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals when warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A. Lewis
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Penelope Benchek
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jessica Tag
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Gabrielle Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Lisa Freebairn
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - H. Gerry Taylor
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Sudha K. Iyengar
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Catherine M. Stein
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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Miller HE, Ballard KJ, Campbell J, Smith M, Plante AS, Aytur SA, Robin DA. Improvements in Speech of Children with Apraxia: The Efficacy of Treatment for Establishing Motor Program Organization (TEMPO SM). Dev Neurorehabil 2021; 24:494-509. [PMID: 34241564 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.1916113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the efficacy of Treatment for Establishing Motor Program Organization (TEMPOSM) in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).Method: A mixed between- and within-participant design with multiple baselines across participants and behaviors was used to examine acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of skills. TEMPOSM was administered in four one-hour sessions a week over a four-week period for eleven participants (ages 5 to 8), allocated to either an immediate treatment group or a wait-list control group. Acoustic and perceptual variables were measured at baseline, immediate post-treatment, and one-month post-treatment.Results: Children demonstrated significant improvements in specific acoustic measures of segmentation and lexical stress, as well as perceptual measures of fluency, lexical stress, and speech-sound accuracy. Treatment and generalization effects were maintained one-month post-treatment with generalization to untreated stimuli.Conclusion: TEMPOSM was efficacious in improving segmental and suprasegmental impairments in the speech of children with CAS.
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Beiting M, Maas E. Autism-Centered Therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (ACT4CAS): A Single-Case Experimental Design Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:1525-1541. [PMID: 33684309 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose A subset of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has speech sound disorders, including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). To date, virtually all speech treatment studies consider ASD an exclusionary criterion, resulting in little scientific evidence for treatment of CAS for children who also have ASD. This study proposes and tests a novel approach, Autism-Centered Therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (ACT4CAS), as a theoretically and clinically informed speech treatment option for this population. Method Using a multiple-baseline design within and across participants, three children with co-occurring ASD and CAS received 11-18 treatment sessions. Treatment targets were individually designed and matched with untreated control words. Probes were administered at the start of each session to assess speech production accuracy perceptually. Changes in production accuracy were examined through visual inspection and quantified with effect sizes. Results Findings were mixed, with one child showing significant gains for half of the treated targets at follow-up and two children showing no clear improvement. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests potentially positive treatment effects for ACT4CAS when implemented as intended, although treatment intensity and disorder severity likely influence treatment outcome. Replication and comparison of ACT4CAS to other speech treatments is needed. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14110445.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Beiting
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Edwin Maas
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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Murray E, Iuzzini-Seigel J, Maas E, Terband H, Ballard KJ. Differential Diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech Compared to Other Speech Sound Disorders: A Systematic Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:279-300. [PMID: 33151751 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the discriminative features that might contribute to differentiation of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) from other speech sound disorders (SSDs). Method A comprehensive literature search was conducted for articles or doctoral dissertations that included ≥ 1 child with CAS and ≥ 1 child with SSD. Of 2,071 publications screened, 53 met the criteria. Articles were assessed for (a) study design and risk of bias; (b) participant characteristics and confidence in diagnosis; and (c) discriminative perceptual, acoustic, or kinematic measures. A criterion was used to identify promising studies: American Academy of Neurology study design (Class III+), replicable participant descriptions and adequate confidence in diagnosis (≥ 3), and ≥ 1 discriminative and reliable measure. Results Over 75% of studies were retrospective, case-control designs and/or assessed English-speaking children. Many studies did not fully describe study design and quality. No studies met the Class I (highest) quality rating according to American Academy of Neurology guidelines. CAS was mostly compared to speech delay/phonological disorder. Only six studies had diagnostic confidence ratings of 1 (best). Twenty-six studies reported discriminative perceptual measures, 14 reported discriminative acoustic markers, and four reported discriminative kinematic markers. Measures were diverse, and only two studies directly replicated previous findings. Overall, seven studies met the quality criteria, and another eight nearly met the study criteria to warrant further investigation. Conclusions There are no studies of the highest diagnostic quality. There are 15 studies that can contribute to further diagnostic efforts discriminating CAS from other SSDs. Future research should utilize careful diagnostic design, support replication, and adhere to standard reporting guidelines. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13158149.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Murray
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Remarkable Speech + Movement, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Hayo Terband
- Utrecht Institute of Linguistics OTS, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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