HOMESTUDY: Childhood Apraxia of Speech: How Genetic Causes and Biomarkers Inform Diagnostics and Management - Lynn Carahaly, M.A., CCC-SLP, Beate Peter, Ph.D. & Paul Beljan, Psy.D., 3 CEs

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is familiar to pediatric neuropsychologists, but how deeply do we understand it—or speech-language disorders more broadly? The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines CAS as a neurological speech sound disorder involving impaired planning and programming of movement sequences. Yet fluent speech relies on seamless interaction between complex neuropsychological systems—motor, language, and more. This presentation emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluations of children with CAS, including genetic profiles and screening for likely co-occurring conditions. Ignoring these comorbidities can limit the effectiveness of treatment. We’ll review current research linking CAS to genetic variations that affect cerebellar, motor, attention, and executive function systems. Attendees will learn assessment methods to distinguish CAS from other speech-language and co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, executive dysfunction, motor issues, and learning disorders. A hierarchical treatment model will be presented—one that prioritizes treating certain co-occurring conditions first when they significantly impact a child’s ability to benefit from speech-language therapy. For instance, addressing severe ADHD through medication may allow a child to better engage in language-focused interventions. The lecture concludes with a proctor-facilitated panel discussion on CAS. Objectives: Explore genetic heterogeneity despite shared speech traits in CAS Describe known genetic disruptions associated with CAS Identify health impairments across domains common in CAS Illustrate assessment strategies for comprehensive CAS diagnosis Justify domain-sequenced treatment targeting for improved outcomes Provide an example of using genetic insights to guide clinical management