Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) can be difficult to identify and even harder to treat without a clear process. In this practical, engaging six-hour course, participants will learn how to define and differentiate CAS from childhood dysarthria and motor speech delay, confidently conduct an informal dynamic motor speech assessment, and apply evidence-based, play-centered treatment approaches rooted in movement and coarticulation.

Using real therapy videos, participants will learn how to identify discriminative versus non-discriminative characteristics of CAS, analyze assessment data, and design therapy plans that follow the principles of motor learning. Attendees will leave empowered to select meaningful targets, apply DTTC cueing hierarchies, and incorporate high-repetition, feedback-informed practice through motivating, play-based intervention.

This course bridges research and clinical application, ensuring every SLP can walk away with clear tools, confidence, and strategies to make measurable progress with children diagnosed with CAS.

1. Define Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and distinguish it from childhood dysarthria (CD) and motor speech delay (MSD) using discriminative and non-discriminative characteristics.
2. Plan and conduct a dynamic motor speech assessment using multiple speech tasks to identify characteristics and determine severity and prognosis.
3. Apply a structured decision guide to synthesize assessment findings and confidently identify CAS using consistent observable patterns.
4. Select functional, movement-based therapy targets, write measurable goals, and integrate motor learning principles into therapy sessions.
5. Implement the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) hierarchy and adjust cueing and feedback according to each child’s performance level.