VIDEO ONLY: Childhood Apraxia of Speech: How Genetic Causes and Biomarkers Inform Diagnostics and Management - Lynn Carahaly, Beate Peter

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 CAS, a pediatric speech sound disorder, involves impaired motor planning for speech. Neuropsychological systems like motor, language, and executive function must integrate seamlessly for fluent speech. This lecture highlights genetic links to CAS, cerebellar/motor function, and co-occurring disorders (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities). Comprehensive evaluation, including genetic profiling, is critical, as untreated comorbidities can limit CAS intervention efficacy. A hierarchical treatment approach may prioritize managing co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD medication) to enhance speech therapy outcomes. The session covers nuanced CAS assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management. A panel discussion will follow. Objectives: Understand ethical issues in CAS practice. Learn responses to records requests (litigation/non-litigation). Review case law on neuropsychological evidence admissibility. Explore attorney-expert relationships for testimony. Discuss key considerations for deposition/trial testimony.