Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Donna Lederman, M.A., CCC-SLP

By: Joan Franzese Rooney, M.A.,CCC-SLP,CED,
Editor in Chief HEAR-SAY

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, The Information Connection and The Long Island Speech and Hearing Association co-sponsored a full day conference "Childhood Apraxia of Speech" presented by Donna Lederman, M.A., CCC-SLP. Ms. Lederman, a vibrant and interactive speaker with more than thirty five years of experience, is also certified as a Prompt Clinician and Instructor. She owns a Long Island private practice specializing in the assessment and treatment of motor speech disorders.

Since there have been many definitions of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Ms. Lederman used the ASHA Technical Report, 2007 (Ad Hoc Committee on Childhood Apraxia of Speech, www.asha.org) as a frame of reference. The presenter divided her lecture into five segments: What is CAS?, Motor or Linguistic Disorder?, Assessment of CAS, Key Components of Effective Treatment, and Developing Successful Intervention. She proceeded to provide extensive information in all areas, and supported this with videotapes of evaluations and treatment of young children.

During the afternoon session, Ms. Lederman presented case studies for the participants to assess and develop treatment plans. Through the use of her own assessment and treatment schematics, she guided the participants in this exercise. Throughout the day, Ms. Lederman provided detailed clinical information on the assessment and treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech that can truly be used in both school and clinical settings.