Description
Update January 2020: Newly released second edition!
At last, a parents’ guide to understanding, treating, and living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)!
Written in an empathic style by a parent who has “been there,” Speaking of Apraxia offers hope and practical advice for parents of toddlers to teens with this neurologically-based motor speech disorder. Parents and professionals will appreciate the author’s clear explanations of everything from diagnosing CAS and working with speech-language pathologists (SLPs), to understanding how to distinguish it from other speech disorders, and getting appropriate early intervention and special education support.
Eight years ago, when Leslie Lindsay, former Child and Adolescent Psychiatric R.N., and mother to a daughter with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)—now resolved—couldn’t find any parent-friendly books to help her child and family with CAS, she wrote one. Now she’s updated this well-researched book and shares with readers the benefit of her experience and perspective.
CAS is a neurological, motor-based speech disorder which creates a disruption to speech movement and timing. Even though children want to speak, the coordination difficulty results in limited and unclear speech. With intensive speech-language therapy, children can expand their speech ability and intelligibility. Speaking of Apraxia provides in-depth guidance and support for families of children with CAS and the professionals who provide services. It covers:
- introduction to speech, language & listening
- explanation of CAS
- what to do when you suspect your child has CAS
- getting a speech evaluation
- meeting with a speech-language pathologist
- getting the CAS diagnosis
- possible causes
- diagnoses related to CAS
- speech therapy best suited for CAS
- complementary & alternative approaches
- activities & materials to support therapy at home
- creating a language-rich environment for speech
- coping with CAS as a family
- understanding & tending to your child’s feelings
- networking, advocating & resources
- when CAS resolves, what’s next?
Supportive and encouraging, Speaking of Apraxia gives readers the detailed information they need to get working on all aspects of their child’s CAS. Additional helpful content includes resources, a glossary, and appendices about possible co-occurring conditions, health insurance, camp and enrichment programs, and speech and language milestones.
“The resources in this book are endless. I have only touched the surface of all that Leslie offers. She breaks down this complex disorder into understandable, manageable sections. I have found myself referring to it constantly for ideas, supports for parents, and overall perspective. Her writing style is easy to read, informative, realistic, and organized. She provides a wealth of knowledge for parents and professionals.”
Book Details
Drawing on the latest research, professionals’ insights, her own and other parents’ experience, the author covers these important topics:
I: The Straight Scoop on Speech Basics — CAS definition; An Overview of Speech & Language; Where to Get Help and What to Ask; Your First Appointment with an SLP
II: Now What?! — Getting, Coping with and Understanding the Diagnosis; Health & Genetics; All about Speech Therapy
III: Helping Your Child — Complementary and Alternative Medical and Treatment Approaches (Diet, Music, Movement Therapy and More)
IV: Off to School — Getting Ready; Special Education Ins & Outs; Phonological Awareness; Reading Issues
V: Coping & Hoping — Dealing with Emotions and Family Life; What the Future May Hold; Networking, Support Groups, and Advocacy
Appendices: Information on insurance, summer camps and enrichment programs, speech-language milestones, and a glossary of terms
Speaking of Apraxia is a comprehensive and authoritative resource any family, SLP, occupational therapist, or pediatric practice will be glad to own or recommend.
Speaking of Apraxia is:
- Softcover
- 440 pages
- Appropriate for SLPs and parents
About Leslie Lindsay, R.N., B.S.N.
Leslie Lindsay is the award-winning author of Speaking of Apraxia, originally published in 2012 following her daughter’s 2007 diagnosis of CAS. Leslie’s writing and photography have appeared in various literary journals; she has been recognized as one of the most influential book reviewers, interviewing hundreds of bestselling and debut authors at her website. Leslie is a former Child & Adolescent Psychiatric R.N. at the Mayo Clinic and at work on a memoir. She and her family, including a basset hound, reside in suburban Chicago.
“Speaking of Apraxia is a thorough step-by-step guide and a fabulous resource for parents of children with apraxia. It combines information culled from hundreds of books and websites in one clearly organized and easy-to-navigate volume. It is the one book every parent dealing with this difficult and challenging motor speech disorder should own.”
“Speaking of Apraxia is filled with just about every aspect that needs to be covered when taking on the beast of Apraxia of Speech. I do believe that mothers and fathers that are just finding themselves on this journey will be able to immerse themselves in this guide. They will find help for their children, themselves and their families with this handbook.”
“This 488 page comprehensive, hands-on guide covers every topic related to apraxia, helping parents navigate their way through finding the best program and resources to help their child with CAS. This will be my go-to guide to share with parents going forth.”
Fatherhood Etc. –
Speaking of Apraxia is a thorough step-by-step guide and a fabulous resource for parents of children with apraxia. It combines information culled from hundreds of books and websites in one clearly organized and easy-to-navigate volume. It is the one book every parent dealing with this difficult and challenging motor speech disorder should own.
all4mychild.com –
The resources in this book are endless. I have only touched the surface of all that Leslie offers. She breaks down this complex disorder into understandable, manageable sections. I have found myself referring to it constantly for ideas, supports for parents, and overall perspective. Her writing style is easy to read, informative, realistic, and organized. She provides a wealth of knowledge for parents and professionals.
Play on Words blog –
This 488 page comprehensive, hands-on guide covers every topic related to apraxia, helping parents navigate their way through finding the best program and resources to help their child with CAS. This will be my go-to guide to share with parents going forth.
Mommy Square Blog ~ My Life as Mother and Wife –
Speaking of Apraxia is filled with just about every aspect that needs to be covered when taking on the beast of Apraxia of Speech. I do believe that mothers and fathers that are just finding themselves on this journey will be able to immerse themselves in this guide. They will find help for their children, themselves and their families with this handbook.
Judy Michels Jelm, M.S., CCC-SLP, Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association SLP instructor emeritus –
[An] excellent resource for parents, educators, and speech-language pathologists. I highly suggest other health care professionals read this as well. It belongs on every therapy agency’s lending book shelf.
Mary Nedell –
This is a wonderful book for parents, grandparents or anyone who has a child in their life that has been diagnosed with apraxia. Very easy to read, lots of great ideas for how to best support your child and tons of information about apraxia. I had done lots of research but this book combined it all and was easy to digest. Honestly feels like you are having a conversation with a good friend.
Shirlene Foydl –
Excellent references and resources; also the author’s experiences and guidance was very helpful, as well as other parents’. Highly recommend for parents and grandparents to acquaint themselves more thoroughly with this disorder.