An Atmosphere of Words: Clinical Considerations and Practices of Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding the Use of Speech-Generating Devices for Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech

The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical considerations and practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the implementation of multimodal intervention, utilizing speech-generating devices, in the treatment of children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). More specifically, this study investigated the perceptions held by and education completed by SLPs with limited experience in Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies. Previous studies investigated the outcomes of multimodal intervention for children with CAS without gathering clinicians’ perspectives. Therefore, this investigation sought to add to extant literature by asking SLPs to report on their experiences. A total of 20 SLPs completed a 30-question electronic survey. Results of this study suggested that SLPs may not be receiving adequate training on multimodal intervention to feel confident in implementing this approach for children with CAS. The study’s findings also indicated that the implementation of SGDs may be a factor of CAS severity. In addition, participants who indicated having utilized multimodal intervention reported having observed positive outcomes following this therapy, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this approach for children with CAS