The Apraxia Foundation Podcast

The Apraxia Foundation
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The Apraxia Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps individuals with childhood apraxia of speech and other communication-related disorders not only afford speech services and AAC but also, we support individuals across their lifetime. On our podcast, we aim to speak about how we can help numerous individuals with childhood apraxia of speech putting an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equality.

  1. 4D AGO

    Diagnosing Childhood Apraxia of Speech Before Age 3 with Hannah Valentine

    Can childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) be diagnosed before age three? According to doctoral candidate Hannah Valentine's groundbreaking research, the answer is yes, but 40% of speech-language pathologists don't believe it can be. In this episode of the Apraxia Foundation podcast, hosts Laura and Jordan sit down with Hannah Valentine, a doctoral candidate at New York University and former early intervention SLP, to discuss her research paper "Clinician's Perspectives on Diagnosing and Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Children Under Three Years Old." Hannah shares the personal story that sparked her research journey: an 18-month-old patient with classic CAS presentation who nearly fell through the cracks due to widespread misinformation about early diagnosis. Her study reveals that not only do 40% of clinicians believe CAS cannot be diagnosed before age three, but 52% would not share a CAS diagnosis with families of children under three, even when they suspect it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the "can't diagnose before three" myth persists in the fieldHow survey design reveals authentic clinical beliefs and practicesThe role of ASHA guidelines in perpetuating misinformationWhy early diagnosis matters for intervention and family supportThe disconnect between clinical suspicion and family communicationWhether you're an SLP, parent, or advocate, this conversation challenges long-held assumptions and provides evidence-based insights into early CAS identification. Find Hannah's work on her website https://www.hannah-valentine.com/ Email: Hannah.Valentine@nyu.edu References Valentine HC, Keller S, Harel D, Grigos MI. Clinicians' Perspectives on Diagnosing and Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Children Under 3 Years Old. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2026 Jan 13;35(1):266-283. doi: 10.1044/2025_AJSLP-25-00215. Epub 2025 Dec 12. PMID: 41386789; PMCID: PMC12805812.

    1h 4m

  2. 12/13/2025

    Using books in speech therapy for apraxia

    In this episode of the Apraxia Foundation Podcast, hosts Laura Smith and Jordan LeVan welcome special guest Tali Kellerstein. Together, they dive deep into the use of books in speech therapy, especially for children with apraxia. Tali shares her journey, practical strategies, and the benefits of integrating picture books into motor speech therapy. The conversation covers the importance of contextualized language, how to select and use books for different therapy goals, and ways to make sessions more engaging and effective. They also discuss Tali’s own book, “Party Animals,” and offer tips for both clinicians and parents. Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable insights and resources for supporting children with apraxia through literature. Listen in for expert advice, favorite book recommendations, and creative ideas to enrich your speech therapy sessions!

    43 min

  3. 11/21/2025

    Motor or Motor in Phonology

    Come chat with Dr. Tara Mcallister, linguist and speech/language pathologist alongside Amy Graham, speech/language pathologist as they discuss motor in phonology. References: Articulation and Phonology: Inextricable Concepts in Speech Pathology Positional Neutralization: A Case Study from Child Language Language-Specific and Language-Universal Aspects of Lingual Obstruent Productions in Japanese-Acquiring Children Tara McAllister is a linguist and speech-language pathologist who studies speech learning in various populations, notably children with speech sound disorder. Her research aims to understand how articulatory and perceptual factors shape speech learning outcomes, and why developmental speech patterns resolve in some individuals but persist in others. As director of the Biofeedback Intervention Technology for Speech (BITS) Lab at NYU, she has conducted multiple studies measuring the efficacy of acoustic and ultrasound biofeedback in the treatment of persistent speech sound deviations.  She earned an A.B./A.M. in linguistics from Harvard University, an M.S. in communication disorders from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in linguistics from MIT. Amy is a speech language pathologist and owner of Graham Speech Therapy. She is an international speaker, frequent podcast guest, and creator of speech therapy resources for SLPs who treat speech sound disorders.

    59 min

  4. 10/26/2024

    Debunking The Myths of K-SLP with Nancy Kaufman

    Join us in this inspiring episode as I chat with the incredible Nancy Kaufman, Mimi Branham, & Aravind Namasivayam about the effectiveness of the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP) for children with apraxia of speech. Nancy dives into the key principles of K-SLP, shares practical strategies for therapists and parents, and highlights some amazing success stories. If you’re looking for tools and inspiration to help kids overcome speech challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s explore how K-SLP can truly make a difference in the journey toward clearer communication!

    44 min

  5. 10/05/2024

    The Path To Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing: Conversations with Dr. Edythe Strand

    Join Edythe Strand, a leading expert in speech-language pathology, as she hosts the DTTC Podcast, a vital resource for families and professionals navigating childhood apraxia of speech. Each episode features insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical strategies to support children with apraxia and their families. With a focus on evidence-based practices and personal stories, the podcast aims to raise awareness, share valuable resources, and foster a community dedicated to empowering those affected by apraxia. Tune in to discover the latest research, success stories, and tools to help every child fight for their voice.

    51 min

  6. 07/13/2024

    The Truth About Play-Based Therapy: DTTC With Apraxia Experts

    Laura Smith and Jordan LeVan from The Apraxia Foundation speak with Dr. Julie Case, Dr. Jenya Iuzzini-Siegel, and Nancy Tarshis to debunk the myths about DTTC therapy for childhood apraxia of speech. They discuss current findings about DTTC, the true definition of play-based therapy, and the importance of building feelings of safety with our loved ones with childhood apraxia.

    1 hr

  7. 06/15/2024

    Voices of Change: SLP Challenges in Public Schools

    Join us on "Voices of Change," brought to you by The Apraxia Foundation, as we dive deep into the intricacies of the public school system and the challenges Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) face within it. In this episode, we welcome special guest StraightupSLP, who shares her firsthand experiences navigating the public school district and transitioning to running a successful private practice. Discover the obstacles SLPs encounter, the systemic issues at play, and potential solutions to create a more supportive environment for both professionals and students. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that aims to advocate for change and improve the landscape of speech-language pathology in public education.

    55 min

  8. 06/01/2024

    Will My Child Ever Talk?

    In this episode of The Apraxia Foundation Podcast, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in our community: "Will my child ever talk?" Join Laura Smith, our professional advisory board member, and Jordan LeVan, Founder & President of The Apraxia Foundation, as they provide insights, share personal experiences, and discuss the latest research on childhood apraxia of speech. Together, they offer hope, practical advice, and a deeper understanding of the journey toward communication for children with apraxia.

    53 min
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About

The Apraxia Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps individuals with childhood apraxia of speech and other communication-related disorders not only afford speech services and AAC but also, we support individuals across their lifetime. On our podcast, we aim to speak about how we can help numerous individuals with childhood apraxia of speech putting an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Information

  • Creator
    The Apraxia Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Apraxia Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Apraxia Foundation Podcast