Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Practice Through Play with K-SLP Strategies

PRESENTED BY NANCY R. KAUFMAN, MA, CCC-SLP

It is often difficult to motivate children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) to practice at home or even to cooperate within a therapy session.  This webinar will offer suggestions to maximize practice through play.  Therapy materials are implemented as well, though paired with play activity.  Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP) methods of cueing motor-speech and scripting functional expressive language to include the language of toys and games will be emphasized. Fading cues and scripts as well as teaching successive approximations toward target words and phrases is taught.  Parents and caregivers are coached to pair themselves with fun toys and activities, making the speech and language practice activities highly preferred, exciting and successful.

 

Cueing & Scripting Motor Speech Skills to Expressive Language in CAS

PRESENTED BY NANCY R. KAUFMAN, MA, CCC-SLP

Children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) require cues to help them to remember the upcoming consonants, vowels, and syllables of practice words. They also often need help to combine words to formulate phrases and sentences by following scripts that they can retain and implement spontaneously. This webinar will overview how cues and scripts can assist children with CAS to become successful vocal communicators. Cueing and scripting techniques will be overviewed and presented via video.

 

Competencies in the Treatment of CAS with the K-SLP

PRESENTED BY NANCY R. KAUFMAN, MA, CCC-SLP

The competency course combines Nancy Kaufman's 6-hour K-SLP overview with three new expert-level courses on the following subjects:

  1. Strategic selection of practice words and phrases in childhood apraxia of speech
  2. Framing techniques to achieve clinical excellence in CAS therapy
  3. Clinical mistakes in the treatment of CAS and what to consider instead

Clinicians who successfully complete this course will demonstrate proficiency in the K-SLP, which is the most-used method for CAS treatment in the United States.

Available through northernspeech.com for 1.0 CEU (10 hours of content)

 

Evaluation & Treatment Of Childhood Apraxia Of Speech: K-SLP Methods & Behavioral Strategies to Build Vocal Communication

PRESENTED BY NANCY R. KAUFMAN, MA, CCC-SLP

This online video course will focus on evaluation and treatment strategies for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) using the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol methods. This presentation will include signs and symptoms of CAS, establishing motivation, shaping word approximations, implementing and fading cues, reinforcement strategies, data collection, scripting functional expressive language, coaching parents, and practicing skills in the natural environment. Also discussed will be implementing the principles of motor learning for practice schedules, and how to move from the acquisition stage to the retention stage of learning to be an effective vocal communicator.

The methods, strategies, and techniques presented in this course follow the most current research in CAS and will provide clinicians with the information they need to help children progress from a simple core vocabulary to phrases and eventually to sentences and conversational speech. Therapy session videos will be shown throughout the presentation to enhance the learning experience.

Children ages 2-6 years will be the focus of this presentation. Offered for 0.6 ASHA CEUs.

Run Time: 6:00:01

Course Overview:

  1. Overview of the K-SLP Approach | Roots in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA/AVB)
  2. Evaluation of CAS | Signs and Symptoms
  3. Simplifying the Motor Plans of Words | Shaping Successive Word Approximations
  4. Implementing and Fading Cues
  5. Combining Words | Scripting Functional Expressive Language
  6. Behavioral Principles, Errorless Teaching, and Five Lists of Single Words
  7. Coaching Parents
  8. K-SLP and Autism Spectrum Disorders
  9. Pre and Post Progress Videos

Navigating Autism Today 2023

Thank you so much for attending the 2023 Navigating Autism Today conference and joining us for the KCC breakout session.

Click on the image below (or here) for a handout of our presentation. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at the email links listed on this page.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - 2023

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a leader of the civil rights movement, fighting to end racial discrimination and segregation in the United States. Those are big ideas for preschoolers and elementary kids to understand, but it's never too early to begin teaching them to follow Dr. King's example by treating people fairly and kindly. Whether you hit the road for a community celebration or stay at home to make some crafts together, you have lots of options on January 16!

LEARNING ABOUT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was once a kid - just like you! Kid President tells you all about the man he became, and what he did for our country.

Source: Kid President on YouTube

A list of children's books that teach kids about MLK and celebrate his life and legacy.

Source: The Conscious Kid

HOW TO CELEBRATE MLK DAY

Area communities are offering plenty of family-friendly events and activities in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and all he accomplished.

Source: Metro Parent

From books to movies to parades, here's how to bring hope and meaning to your Martin Luther King Day holiday.

Source: NBC News

It’s more important now than ever to have healthy, ongoing conversations with our children about race and racism in our country.

Source: Metro Parent

MLK-THEMED ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS

Information about MLK, ways to celebrate, activities, projects, games and trivia.

Source: Family Education

Celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with these educational resources.

Source: Education.com

A fun and learning and anti-racism activity. Practice letters while learning and discussing the different and beautiful shades of all people.

Source: Happy Toddler Playtime

21 fun and easy to crafts and activities to help the next generation of kids understand and learn about the message of love, peace and respect for all peoples that MLK tried to promote during his life.

Source: Happy Toddler Playtime

Free PDF pages are super easy to download and print.

Source: Primary Games

MLK VIDEOS FOR KIDS

Elmo and his friends are making a Peace Tree to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They each draw pictures on leaves to show how they will carry on Dr. King’s wish by treating people fairly and kindly, but Elmo doesn’t know what to draw.

Source: Sesame Street

This cartoon version of Martin Luther King is fun and easy for young artists.

Source: Art for Kids Hub

Sing along with this super fun educational Martin Luther King lyric video for kids.

Source: The Kiboomers (YouTube)

"I am the Dream" will help kids feel inspired and believe that they can achieve anything that they want to no matter the color of their skin. Kids will learn about the historical and modern day inspirational black figures that paved the way for them to succeed.

Source: Mr. Pete's Playhouse (YouTube)

ABA Technician/Registered Behavior Technician

The KCC is seeking full and part-time techs/RBTs to join our ABA team.

  • ABA techs work one-on-one with children ages 2-6 who are experiencing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other language and learning challenges.
  • KCC programs utilize the principles and teaching procedures of applied behavior analysis/verbal behavior (ABA).
  • Our team of BCBAs provide the highest quality supervision and support to staff on a daily basis.
  • This is a fantastic opportunity to receive mentoring and practicum experience: many of our techs have moved on to become BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
  • Those who are not yet accredited as a registered behavior technician (RBT) can work with our on-site coordinator to complete both initial and renewal modules.
  • Our bright, friendly state-of-the art clinic in West Bloomfield includes two buildings with individual classrooms, group spaces, and sensory gyms.

  • Provide direct therapy in individual and small group sessions to children of varying ability levels.
  • Play, engage, and teach children who may have challenging behaviors. They may be very active, may require full assistance with toileting, and may require physical prompting through some activities of the day.
  • Contribute to a productive and collaborative environment.
  • Communicate effectively/appropriately with staff, children, and parents.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic (attendance, time management).
  • Implement individualized treatment plan as written and directed by behavior analyst.
  • Attend all staff training sessions.
  • Demonstrate effective teaching procedures for discrete trial teaching and natural environment teaching
  • Complete documentation according to plan of care and in line with industry standards
  • Demonstrate effective strategies to minimize/de-escalate challenging behaviors.
  • Maintain confidentiality for all children and families.
  • Maintain and protect the safety and well-being of all children.

  • A four-year college degree is highly preferred in a related field such as psychology, child development, education, speech and language, etc. (ABA experience is preferred).
  • Able to take direction and tolerate coaching and feedback on a regular basis.
  • Able to remain calm and pleasant in a range of situations and under a variety of circumstances.
  • Self-motivated, wonderful with children, and have a desire to learn.

  • Must be able to play and engage with a young child up to six hours a day.
  • Literacy: Must be able to read written material from a variety of sources. Must be able to distinguish colors and view computer screen daily for several hours at a time.
  • Speaking/hearing: Must be able to communicate with staff, children, and parents on phone or in person. Must be able to receive information through oral communication.
  • Attention: Must be able to concentrate on work tasks despite distractions.
  • Stress tolerance: Must be able to exhibit self-control when with dealing children, families, or other clinic staff who become upset.

  • Enjoy an ideal schedule with no weekend or evening hours.
  • Choose full-time (40 hours per week) or part time (five mornings or five afternoons per week) to fit your needs.
  • You’ll be paid for your attendance, even if the child you work with is absent.
  • Same rate of pay if you’re working with a child or doing other tasks.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for full time staff, first of the month after 60 days)
  • Paid time off (after 90 days).
  • Monthly professional development days.
  • Training program to achieve registered behavior technician (RBT) accreditation.
  • Practicums are available.

The KCC is an internationally recognized private practice located in West Bloomfield, Michigan. We offer speech-language therapy, occupational/sensory-motor therapy, ABA autism programs, and many more services to help kids live their very best lives.

The KCC staff is highly trained and known for its enthusiasm, expertise, outstanding clinical skills, and insights into children. SLPs, OTs, and ABA professionals work together daily in a true team approach, ensuring the best possible outcomes across all settings.

Kaufman Children’s Center provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons based on merit and qualifications, without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply

Please complete the form below to help us learn more about you

TECH APPLICATION FORM

Other open positions

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

CAS Printable Materials

Here's a collection of articles and other information in an easily printable PDF format. Please contact us if you have any trouble with the files.

What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a term you may not have heard before, but is more common than you might think. Here's a quick overview.

The production of speech

What most of us take for granted is actually a complex, coordinated effort! The production of speech involves:

  • The brain
  • Parts of the face, mouth, tongue and jaw
  • The muscles around those parts
  • The pathways from the brain to the muscles

The struggle with apraxia

Kids with apraxia have difficulty combining (or even producing) consonants and vowels to form words. They also struggle to maintain motor plans to express intelligible spoken language.

The types of utterances

Some children with apraxia do better with automatic utterances (such as exclamations or recitation of the alphabet, days of the week, counting, etc.) than with planned utterances.

The other challenges

CAS can and often does co‐exist with other speech and language challenges. It requires proper diagnosis and treatment by an experienced SLP.

The CAS diagnosis

CAS can be difficult to diagnose if the child does not have enough vocal skills to assess. Over time and with regular therapy, a formal diagnosis can be determined. Until then, many SLPs will work with a diagnosis of suspected childhood apraxia of speech (sCAS).

The treatment of CAS

Frequent, individual speech therapy is essential to treat CAS. Sessions should include lots of practice planning, programming, and producing accurate speech movements.

The K-SLP treatment method

The Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol follows best practice research for the treatment of childhood apraxia of speech. It is also appropriate to treat suspected CAS and for other speech sound disorders and expressive language challenges.

The importance of practice

It is imperative that children with apraxia of speech gain as much practice as possible, and that is not limited to official speech sessions. Involvement from parents and caregivers in the child's natural environment (home, school, community) is essential for the practice needed.

The path to success

With quality therapy specific to apraxia and support from their community, many children with CAS can make progress becoming successful vocal communicators!

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