By Leslie Lindsay
It’s summer, right? That means you’ve got a lot more time to hang with your little one(s) with apraxia. Enjoy these precious–and valuable–times to slip in word practice. 
Here’s an excert from Chapter 9: “Speaking of Apraxia: A Parent’s Guide to CAS”
“Things to do at home to help your Child with CAS”
Even adults remember new information best when they are having fun. If you had a traditional education, you grew up with desks, blackboards, and the teacher at the front of the class. You were taught that this is how people learned. It might be time to shift your view and throw out the flashcards! This chapter does not take place in a classroom. It does not even suggest you turn your dining room into a speech clinic (although that’s not necessarily a bad idea). But it is about learning how to help your child overcome apraxia of speech in a natural environment: your home and community.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Have a family game night. Traditional favorites will do the trick.The speech payoffs here: turn-taking, counting, requesting, being a good sport, and other communication opportunities.
- Visit your public library. Let your child find some books of interest and then read them to her. Speech payoff: child-directed learning, introduction to new vocabulary, 1:1 time with you in which you are modeling pronunciation and articulation. You might even hear some sounds or word approximations from your child!
- Experience and connect with nature. Speech payoff: identify and describe what you see, hear, and smell. Think holistically—this is more than just a walk in the park.
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- Exercise by biking or sledding, walking, or swinging. Speech payoff: vocalizations and words are often heard with movement. Exercise also increases self-confidence, which these kiddos need more than anything. Children with CAS often crave movement.
- Do some art. Speech payoff: Besides the 1:1 time all kids need, it also unleashes creative potential and gives you something to talk about: “What color should we make the banana?” Practice saying “banana” or “yellow” while you’re at it.
- Listen to music. Speech payoff: Kids need physical movement, and what better way to get them to move than with some rockin’ tunes? Encourage singing; even if they can’tget the lyrics out, they can hum along. Plus, music has a positive effect on mood—even yours!
For more information, or to get your own copy of SPEAKING OF APRAXIA, hop over to Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or the publisher’s website, http://www.woodbinehouse.com
