Fostering Friendship and Self-Advocacy in Children with Apraxia

Course Number: ABIO2326

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’ll examine why children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) need support developing friendships. We explore goals and strategies to facilitate friendship-building, understanding and accepting their apraxia, and ways to foster self-advocacy skills. Learners will have a deeper understanding of the social challenges faced by children with CAS and tools to help them succeed.

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.

SAMANTHA NOVICK, M.S. CCC-SLP

Samantha Novick is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Bridge Therapy, a private speech therapy practice in South Florida. She is recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and served as the Volunteer Walk Coordinator for the 2022 South Florida Walk for Apraxia. Samantha is a LAMP Certified Professional. She graduated from the University of Florida with high honors and earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology, graduating with high honors at Nova Southeastern University. Samantha serves as President of The Friendship Journey, a nonprofit organization that creates authentic connections amongst friends of all abilities through meaningful experiences. In 2020 during the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, Samantha developed a virtual summer camp for teens and adults with disabilities, Camp Wings of Friendship. Camp Wings of Friendship has since served hundreds of families from over 20 states across the country. Samantha is passionate about amplifying the voices of others and cultivating accessible spaces through her professional and volunteer work. In her free time, Samantha enjoys exploring nature, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

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.

Samantha Novick has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: owner of Bridge Therapy.

Samantha Novick has the following nonfinancial relationships to disclose: President of The Friendship Journey, Director of Camp Wings of Friendshop, and Apraxia Bootcamp graduate.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify 2 unique challenges that children with CAS may face when developing friendships
Describe 2 strategies to help children with CAS build positive relationships and social skills
Describe the importance of self-acceptance and self-advocacy in fostering positive social interactions
Identify 2 ways to create a more supportive and inclusive community for children with CAS and their families

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	Why children with CAS need support developing friendships
10 min	Understanding and accepting themselves and their apraxia
15 min	Goals and strategies to facilitate friendship-building
10 min	Fostering self-advocacy skills and a sense of community
10 min	Discussion of helpful resources