Apraxia Kids Preferred Provider
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Specialized motor speech treatment using PROMPT therapy, DTTC, and the Nancy Kaufman Apraxia System. Led by Laura Friedman, MS, CCC-SLP, QOM.
Expert Apraxia Treatment
Childhood apraxia of speech is one of the most complex speech disorders — and it requires specialized expertise to treat effectively. At Bloom Myofunctional & Speech Therapy, Laura brings advanced training in three of the most evidence-based approaches for CAS: PROMPT therapy, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and the Nancy Kaufman Apraxia System.
As an Apraxia Kids Preferred Provider, Laura has demonstrated a commitment to advanced, specialized training in treating childhood apraxia. This designation recognizes clinicians who go above and beyond standard SLP training to develop expertise specifically in motor speech disorders.
Signs of Childhood Apraxia
No single sign confirms CAS — a professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. However, the following signs may indicate your child should be evaluated:
- Limited babbling as an infant
- First words are late and may be missing sounds
- Only a few consonant or vowel sounds
- Difficulty combining sounds; long pauses between sounds
- Simplifying words by replacing difficult sounds with easier ones or deleting sounds
- Inconsistent errors — the same word may be pronounced differently each time
- Groping movements with the jaw, lips, or tongue when trying to speak
- Better understanding of language than ability to express it
- Difficulty imitating speech, but better at automatic or rehearsed speech
- Prosody difficulties — unusual rhythm, stress, or intonation patterns
Our Treatment Approach
PROMPT Therapy
Uses tactile cues on the face and jaw to physically guide correct speech movements. Especially effective for CAS because it directly addresses the motor planning challenge at the core of the disorder.
Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
Focuses on imitation and modeling with systematic cueing that is gradually reduced as the child gains motor control. Designed specifically for children with severe apraxia who have very limited speech.
Nancy Kaufman Apraxia System
A systematic approach that simplifies word production and gradually builds complexity. Uses approximations of real words to give children functional communication while building motor plans.
What Makes Our CAS Treatment Different
Many speech therapists treat a broad range of conditions. Laura has invested extensively in specialized CAS training — including certifications in PROMPT, DTTC, and the Kaufman system — because effective apraxia treatment requires a fundamentally different approach than standard articulation therapy.
Research consistently shows that children with CAS respond best to motor-based treatment approaches delivered with high intensity and frequency. We build treatment plans around these evidence-based principles while keeping therapy engaging and motivating for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerned About Apraxia?
Schedule a free consultation with an Apraxia Kids Preferred Provider to discuss your child's speech development.