Talking Speech Apraxia

Rethinking childhood apraxia of speech with Dr Aravind Namasivayam

Dr. Aravind Namasivayam explores pediatric speech sound disorder assessment and intervention from a speech motor and motor-synergy perspective. The discussion challenges traditional IPA transcription-based interpretations of children’s speech errors and examines research suggesting that many errors commonly labelled as “phonological” may instead reflect underlying speech motor constraints. The podcast also explores how speech synergies develop and break down over time, how these patterns may present clinically, and what this means for differential diagnosis and intervention planning in children with SSD Aravind Namasivayam [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aravind-namasivayam-511b811ab/] is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Canada. He has a dual clinical degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and a Doctoral/Post-Doctoral level specialization in neuroscience/neuroplasticity.

Mapping vowels in Speech Apraxia

Speech Apraxia can effect vowels, but how and why. This fascinating podcast win which we interview Dr Nicole Whitworth, a vowel expert explains all. Dr Nicole Whitworth's research focuses on speech acquisition, vowel production, multilingual speech development, and the pedagogy of phonetics and clinical linguistics. Here are some references that may be useful to accompany this podcast and a video that explains what waveforms, spectra and spectrograms are in briefhttps://youtu.be/M-ko3D9nEog [https://youtu.be/M-ko3D9nEog]. Ball, M. J. and Gibbon, F. E. eds. (2013) Handbook of vowels and vowel disorders. Language and speech disorders book series. New York & London: Psychology. Bates, S. and Titterington, J. (2021) Good practice guidelines for the analysis of child speech. Bowen, C. (2023) Children's speech sound disorders. Third edition ed.: Wiley-Blackwell. Jacks, A., Marquardt, T. P. and Davis, B. L. (2013) Vowel production in childhood and acquired apraxia of speech. In:  Handbook of Vowels and Vowel Disorders. Psychology Press, pp. 326–346. Kent, R. D. and Rountrey, C. (2020) What Acoustic Studies Tell Us About Vowels in Developing and Disordered Speech. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 29(3), pp. 1749–1778. . Knežević, D. and Maassen, B. (2025) Phonological and speech motor abilities in children with childhood apraxia of speech. Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics, 39(4-5)  2025/05/04, pp. 311–329. . Lenoci, G., Celata, C., Ricci, I., Chilosi, A. and Barone, V. (2021) Vowel variability and contrast in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: acoustics and articulation. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics, 35(11)  Nov 2, pp. 1011–1035. . Pollock, K. and Stoel‐Gammon, C. (2024) Vowel Development and Disorders. The Handbook of Clinical Linguistics, Second Edition, pp. 391–406. Swartz, M. T. (2022) Exploring vowel space metrics and quality of life measures in adolescents with typical speech, residual speech sound disorder, and childhood apraxia of speech. Montclair State University. Terband, H. and Bhat, B. (2025) Intrinsic Fundamental Frequency of Vowels in Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica. .

Growing up with Speech Apraxia- Mikey Akers

Listen to this inspiring podcast where I interview Mikey Akers. In his own words, Mikey describes his journey- I was diagnosed with verbal dyspraxia (now known as childhood apraxia of speech) when I was 2 and a half, the worst case my speech therapist had ever come across. I never met anyone who shared the same diagnosis, so at 13 I started a Facebook page to raise awareness.  For the last 10 years I have actively been raising awareness through sharing my story. I noticed the struggle families like mine had to access the speech and language therapy that they so desperately need. The therapy that will ensure they have a voice. I wanted to help and through the work I have been doing, I’ve made great connections around the world.

Navigating the highs and lows of a Childhood Apraxia of Speech Diagnosis with Gill Tudur

I’m Gill, mum to two boys, Tomos (8) and Macsen (5). We live on Anglesey, and the boys are educated through the medium of Welsh, while hearing both Welsh and English at home. When Macsen was five years and four months old, he was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Phonological Awareness Disorder. Childhood Apraxia of Speech can be an isolating experience, especially when so few people understand what it is or how it affects everyday family life, which is why I’m so glad I found Speech Apraxia UK. This podcast shares our family’s journey, navigating diagnosis, bilingualism, advocacy, and the small but meaningful wins along the way and I hope it helps others feel less alone

Childhood Apraxia of speech, authoring the RCSLT position paper with Helen Stringer

In this episode, Ruth is joined by Helen to explore childhood apraxia of speech through an evidence-based lens. Helen Stringer was the lead author on the RCSLT Position paper on Childhood Apraxia Of Speech (2024). The discussion focuses on why accurate terminology matters, how childhood apraxia differs from both “speech delay” and acquired apraxia, and why mislabelling can lead to inappropriate or ineffective intervention. Helen reflects on her work as lead author on a position paper on childhood apraxia of speech, explaining the need for cautious, research-led practice and the risks of adapting adult treatments for children without sufficient evidence. She also discusses the historical controversy around the diagnosis, the impact of the 2007 ASHA diagnostic markers, and how emerging genetic research is reshaping understanding of the condition. Together, Ruth and Helen consider the real-world consequences for children, including long-term effects on language, literacy, and confidence, and why early, targeted intervention is critical. The conversation highlights the importance of clinicians staying up to date with evolving research and being confident in using the diagnosis when appropriate, while remaining critical of unproven approaches.