A Systematic Examination of Practice Amount in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Treatment Using an Integral Stimulation Approach
Genre
Thesis/DissertationDate
2017Author
Welsh, MackenzieAdvisor
Maas, EdwinCommittee member
Reilly, JamieKohen, Francine
Department
Communication SciencesSubject
Speech TherapyChildhood Apraxia of Speech
Motor Speech Disorders
Practice Amount
Principles of Motor Learning
Speech-language Pathology
Speech Sound Disorders
Permanent link to this record
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/3809Metadata
Show full item recordDOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/3791Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine how a critical principle of motor learning, practice amount (high number of trials versus a low number of trials), affects speech motor learning in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). It also sought to contribute to the literature base regarding using an integral stimulation approach for these children. Currently, a limited evidence base exists for decision-making regarding practice amount in CAS treatment. Using a single-case experimental design with two participants, three target sets of utterances (High Amount, Low Amount, and Control) received different amounts of treatment. Outcomes were compared in terms of retention. Targets were scored regarding perceptual (prosodic and segmental) accuracy. Effect sizes were computed to quantify the extent of treatment effects. For both participants, results show some evidence suggesting a higher amount of practice is advantageous and leads to greater learning. A low amount of treatment did not show clear differences compared to not receiving any treatment. Caution should be taken when interpreting these findings due to its small sample size and modest effects. Results suggest that the integral stimulation approach may only be effective if provided with a significantly high amount of practice. Further research is needed to examine how the principles of motor learning and the integral stimulation approach should be sensibly and systematically applied to promote best outcomes for this population.ADA compliance
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