The mission of Child Apraxia Treatment is to help children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) by educating families and speech-language pathologists about evidence-based treatment practices. Initiatives include: free online courses and videos, sponsoring free advanced trainings, funding research, and answering questions from parents, therapists, and educators relating to CAS. 

Child Apraxia Treatment provides resources to both parents and clinicians on evidence-based assessment and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech, including the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) treatment method. Grants totaling nearly $2 million have been awarded to study the effects of various treatment conditions, including parent training, length of therapy session, and masking, on outcome measures for children with moderate to severe childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), an evidence-based treatment method. The studies include:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) – “Block” versus “Standard” Trial

The principal investigators for this multi-site research study are Elizabeth Murray, Ph.D., CPSP (University of Sydney, Remarkable Speech + Movement)  and Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Marquette University) with co-investigators Shelley Velleman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (University of Vermont) and Donna Thomas, Ph.D. CPSP, FHEO (University of Sydney). This study will examine the effects of length of therapy sessions on speech outcome measures. Children with moderate to severe childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) will receive DTTC in either standard service delivery or longer “blocks” of therapy. The goal of the pilot study is to provide key information for a randomized control trial (RCT) in the future. The Foundation’s goal for this project is to provide information to help parents and speech-language pathologists make informed decisions about length of therapy sessions to maximize progress for children with CAS. Information about how to participate in the pilot study will be posted once study recruitment and enrollment begins.

The Effects of Parent/Caregiver Training on Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) Treatment Outcomes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech

The principal investigators for this multisite research study are Maria Grigos, PhD, CCC-SLP (New York University) and Julie Case, PhD, CCC-SLP (Hofstra University) with co-investigator Ying Lu, PhD (New York University). This study is a randomized control trial that will examine the effects of parent/caregiver training on speech outcome measures for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) receiving DTTC compared to children with CAS receiving DTTC in usual/standard care. The Foundation’s goal for the study is to provide information to help parents and speech-language pathologists make informed decisions about the best use of therapy session time and to maximize progress for children with CAS. Information about how to participate will be posted once study recruitment and enrollment begins.

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) with “Masking”: Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) Study

Co-PIs Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Marquette University), Elizabeth Murray, Ph.D., CPSP (University of Sydney, Remarkable Speech + Movement), Shelley Velleman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (University of Vermont) and Donna Thomas, Ph.D. CPSP, FHEO (University of Sydney) will lead this multi-site research study. This research will examine the efficacy of DTTC when the child and the clinician are masked to abide by safety protocols due to COVID-19. Children with moderate to severe childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) will receive DTTC three times per week for eight weeks for 60-minute sessions. The goal of this study is to inform best practice for clinical service provision and help families to make key decisions regarding optimal care for their children during these uncertain times. Information about how to participate in this study will be posted once study recruitment and enrolment begins.