Talking Speech Apraxia

RuthRowntree
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The Talking Speech Apraxia Podcast, hosted by Ruth Rowntree, Speech Apraxia UK, is a heartfelt and empowering show dedicated to illuminating the challenges and triumphs that come with speech apraxia (also known as verbal dyspraxia) through interviews with experts and inspiring personal accounts. We cover childhood apraxia of speech, acquired apraxia of speech and primary progressive apraxia of speech. With each episode, we connect families, speech and language therapists, researchers, and other professionals, sharing stories, wisdom, and evidence-based strategies that truly make a difference.

  1. Mapping vowels in Speech Apraxia

    1D AGO

    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. 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. .

    33 min
  2. Growing up with Speech Apraxia- Mikey Akers

    APR 3

    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.

    35 min
  3. Navigating the highs and lows of a Childhood Apraxia of Speech Diagnosis with Gill Tudur

    MAR 20

    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

    35 min
  4. Childhood Apraxia of speech, authoring the RCSLT position paper with Helen Stringer

    MAR 6

    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.

    30 min
  5. Why Speech Apraxia Is Still Overlooked: Training Gaps, Bias, and Breaking Into the Profession-Ruth Rowntree

    JAN 29

    Why Speech Apraxia Is Still Overlooked: Training Gaps, Bias, and Breaking Into the Profession-Ruth Rowntree

    In this episode, Ruth Rowntree interviewed by Libby Hall, takes a clear-eyed look at why speech apraxia remains so poorly understood within speech and language therapy. She examines the persistent gaps in university training, the limited exposure many clinicians have to apraxia in practice, and the consequences this has for diagnosis, confidence, and care. Ruth also speaks candidly about the often unspoken barriers faced by people entering the SLT profession with a speech difference. Drawing on lived experience and professional insight, she challenges assumptions about competence, communication, and credibility, and makes the case for a profession that better reflects the diversity of the people it serves. This is a thoughtful, uncompromising conversation about education, bias, and what needs to change if speech and language therapy is to truly understand and include speech apraxia.

    27 min
  6. Neurodiversity in Speech and Language Therapy: Lived Experience, Identity, and Inclusion with Jodee Simpson

    JAN 15

    Neurodiversity in Speech and Language Therapy: Lived Experience, Identity, and Inclusion with Jodee Simpson

    In this episode, Jodie Simpson, an autistic speech and language therapist, talks openly about her journey into the profession and her research on neurodiversity within speech and language therapy. Jodie explores the realities faced by neurodivergent therapists, including discrimination, ableism, and barriers within training and clinical practice. She challenges deficit-based thinking and makes a clear case for recognising and valuing neurodivergent differences rather than framing them as disorders. Jodie also discusses her research into professional identity and highlights the distinct strengths and perspectives neurodivergent therapists bring to their work with clients, families, and colleagues. We underline the urgent need for more inclusive education, workplaces, and professional cultures. The episode ends with a clear message: embracing difference strengthens the profession, and neurodivergent therapists deserve recognition, support, and equal opportunity to thrive.

    30 min
  7. Acquired Apraxia of Speech-How to treat and assess with Kimberley Williams of Nova Speech Therapy

    JAN 1

    Acquired Apraxia of Speech-How to treat and assess with Kimberley Williams of Nova Speech Therapy

    Kimberley Williams explores the realities of working with acquired apraxia of speech, a rare motor speech disorder that most often presents alongside aphasia following stroke. Drawing on extensive clinical experience, Kimberley explains the specialist skills required, the challenges clinicians face, and what effective support looks like in practice. She also reflects on the personal and professional motivations that led her into this field, offering a grounded, honest perspective on why this work matters and what continues to drive her commitment to people living with acquired apraxia of speech.

    22 min
  8. Speech Apraxia, Care and Context in India with Appas Saha

    12/19/2025

    Speech Apraxia, Care and Context in India with Appas Saha

    Distinguished Assistant Professor Appas Saha joins us from India to discuss speech apraxia awareness, care, and diagnosis in his country. He explores how families navigate assessment and therapy for children with childhood apraxia of speech, highlighting both the challenges they face and the progress being made. He also shares his hopes for the future of support and understanding in this important field.

    35 min
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About

The Talking Speech Apraxia Podcast, hosted by Ruth Rowntree, Speech Apraxia UK, is a heartfelt and empowering show dedicated to illuminating the challenges and triumphs that come with speech apraxia (also known as verbal dyspraxia) through interviews with experts and inspiring personal accounts. We cover childhood apraxia of speech, acquired apraxia of speech and primary progressive apraxia of speech. With each episode, we connect families, speech and language therapists, researchers, and other professionals, sharing stories, wisdom, and evidence-based strategies that truly make a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    RuthRowntree
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RuthRowntree
  • Show Website
    Talking Speech Apraxia

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