Description
Providing Effective Early Intervention Services
Being able to effectively communicate is how young children interact, socialize, and learn.
Cari Ebert – Suspected Apraxia and Early Intervention
There is cause for concern when a young child has strong cognitive and receptive language skills, but is essentially non-verbal. It is important for therapists to be able to differentially diagnose an expressive language delay from suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Therapy for a toddler with suspected CAS should have a set of unique parameters that will facilitate the development of motor planning skills. Because children with suspected CAS often progress slowly and demonstrate highly inconsistent verbal productions, it can be difficult to measure progress and documentation can be a challenge. Caregiver involvement is a critical component of early intervention services and each family needs to be provided with functional strategies that can be embedded into their daily routines to help their child become an effective verbal communicator.
This recording is packed full of clinically relevant ideas and activities to fine-tune therapy sessions for young children with suspected CAS. After watching this course you will look at your caseload in a whole new light and be able to pinpoint which children are in need of more specialized programming. Therapists will gain hands-on knowledge of ways to modify existing therapy materials designed for older kids with CAS to make them fun and functional for use with toddlers. From assessment, to therapy materials, to documentation standards, participants will discover ways to create the best therapy model for toddlers on their caseload with suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Handouts
Manual – Suspected Apraxia (1.98 MB) 82 Pages Available after Purchase
Outline
OVERVIEW
Defining apraxia
types of apraxia
clinical definitions
explanation for families
Birth to 3 programs and eligibility issues
Early brain development
ASSESSMENT OF CAS
Formal vs. informal assessment
Characteristics of toddlers with suspected CAS
Characteristics of 3-5 year olds with CAS
Academic issues and CAS
Co-existing conditions
Informal assessment hierarchy
DIAGNOSIS
Should we diagnose CAS in toddlers?
Misdiagnosing CAS
Prevalence of CAS
Making a differential diagnosis
THERAPY
Frequency and duration of services in early intervention
Purpose of EI
Family participation
Fun and effective therapy without drill work
Goals and activities for the pre-verbal child
Articulation vs. motor planning therapy
Strategies for families and caregivers
To sign or not to sign
Picture communication
Prognosis
DOCUMENTATION
Writing IFSP outcomes
Functional vs. isolated skills
Documenting functional gains
CASE STUDIES
Faculty
Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP,
CARI EBERT, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and Master of Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. For 20 years, Ms. Ebert has served as a therapist, consultant, and a nationally recognized speaker.
She works with young children, ages birth to five, and their families and believes that early intervention is the key to future success. She has dedicated her career to helping young children achieve their maximum potential with speech, language, and social development. Ms. Ebert’s son has autism spectrum disorder and apraxia, allowing her to engage this topic, both as a clinician and a parent of a child with special needs. She embraces the coaching model of service delivery and empowers parents to help their child develop. Ms. Ebert presents evidence-based, clinically-relevant information regarding early child development. Whether you are a pediatric therapist or an early childhood educator, you will benefit from the fun, effective therapy solutions found in her seminars.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cari Ebert is the owner of Summit Speech Therapy, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Cari Ebert is a parent of a child with special needs.
