Empowering Parents: Navigating the first steps of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Course Number: ABIO2324

When: Available June 26, 2023 – June 26, 2028.

Where: Audio available once you register under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: In this course, we explore how to become an effective advocate for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). We’ll delve into topics like parent empowerment, early intervention, and navigating the initial diagnosis. We learn valuable strategies to communicate with healthcare professionals and educators, understand the impact of CAS on a child’s development, and how to empower parents.

Who This Course Is Good For:

Any ASHA member, CCC holder, or another professional that is licensed or credentialed to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology or preparing to earn ASHA CEUs.
A professional who works with pediatric clients that have limited natural speech.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works in an early intervention setting.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works using teletherapy.
A professional, educator or teacher who works with children pediatric clients with CAS.
Parents or caregivers of children with CAS.
Researchers and academics in the field of speech-language pathology and related fields.

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Any professional that does not currently work with any pediatric clients or plan to in the near future.
Highly experienced professionals with advanced training in childhood apraxia of speech and motor-based approaches.
Individuals seeking information or training on other speech or language disorders, as this course specifically focuses on childhood apraxia of speech and motor-based approaches.

Presenters:

VENITA LITVACK, M.A. CCC-SLP

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in South Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

JOCELYN STARGELL-ZACHERY

Jocelyn Stargell-Zachery is a U.S based mother, advocate, and author. “Tristan Finds His… Voice” was written based on the true story of the author’s son, who was diagnosed with apraxia of speech (CAS). The book’s sole purpose is to raise awareness about neurological speech disorders and give hope to parents/caregivers and children struggling with this disorder. According to apraxiakids.org CAS affects 1 out of 1,000 children and the only known treatment at this time is speech therapy.

She loves this genre because it allows her to be as creative as she wants to be while also teaching children (and adults) about learning differences. She has a B. A in Mass Communications and has worked in digital marketing for 6+ years. Writing has been a passion of hers since she was a little girl. Her hobbies include painting and being a self-proclaimed vegan foodie. She loves going around the city and trying new restaurants with her son. She paints mostly for fun with her son on the weekends. So far this book has had a lot of positive reviews and she is glad that she is able to share this story of overcoming obstacles one day at a time with the world in hopes to inspire them to do the same.

She also shares tips and advice on her Instagram (@millennialmomme_) weekly where she empowers other parents to advocate for their children. She also has a quarterly newsletter that you can sign up for on her blog to stay in the know on new books, posts and updates.

Visit millennialmomme.net to check out her blog and sign up for the newsletter!

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series.

Venita Litvack has the following nonfinancial relationships to disclose: member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Jocelyn Stargell-Zachery has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: volunteer Walk Coordinator for the Apraxia Kids Atlanta Walk. Jocelyn is a volunteer member of the diversity and inclusion board for Apraxia Kids and she earns royalties as a children’s book author.

Jocelyn Stargell-Zachery has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify strategies for effective communication with healthcare professionals and educators
Describe the impact of CAS on a child’s overall development
Describe 2 ways to empower parents
Describe areas to support parents directly after a diagnosis

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	How to be the best advocate for your child
10 min	Early Intervention
15 min	Parent Empowerment
10 min	Navigating the inital diagnosis of CAS
10 min	Discussion of helpful resources