Get in Touch

ChatGPT Image Jul 7, 2025, 06_02_51 AM.png

🎙️ Podcast Episode 2: Assessment & Diagnosis of CAS
This week, we dive into one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the CAS journey: assessment and diagnosis.
We talk about:
🧠 Making confident diagnostic decisions (even if you’re not a CAS specialist)
👶 Assessing very young children and those with other disabilities
🎒 Understanding profiles across preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens
💬 How to engage a reluctant child without sacrificing rapport
❤️ Why the first session sets the tone for your whole therapy relationship
⚖️ The art of differential diagnosis — and why over-treating motor speech is far less risky than missing CAS altogether
👉 Tune in to hear practical tips, real-life examples, and a balanced look at both the science and the heart behind CAS assessment.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
#ApraxiaTherapy #ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #SpeechPathology #CASPodcast #slpsofinstagram #olgakomadinaapraxiatherapy #apraxia

Wonderful to have recently met with @helenhainesindi to discuss the needs of children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. I’m looking forward to hearing @speechpathaus ‘s contribution to the Thriving Kids Inquiry tomorrow — an important step toward stronger early support systems for all children. https://bit.ly/46UvJvg #thrivingkids @markbutlermp @ndis_australia @early childhood

🎙️Today, on a bit of a whim... I decided to start a podcast. 🎧
No studio, no editing, no script - just me, recording on the road between apraxia clients, talking about what really happens in therapy.
If you’ve ever wanted to sit in the passenger seat and chat about Childhood Apraxia of Speech, this is it. 🚗 💬
Real stories. Real therapy. Real life.
You’ll hear reflections from the week, ideas that spill out mid-drive, and the kind of honest conversations I wish more of us had — for both families and therapists.
• Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy Podcast
🎧Now live on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
#ApraxiaTherapy #SpeechPathology #ChildhoodApraxia #SLPcommunity #ApraxiaKids #SpeechTherapy #apraxia #sIpsofinstagram #RealTherapyTalk #OnTheRoadSLP
#PodcastLaunch

Thank you to Speech Apraxia UK for the opportunity to share my perspective in this article about supporting children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech through motivation, confidence, and connection.

————————-
Meaningful progress isn’t just about techniques — it’s about the relationships and trust we build along the way. Motivation, Confidence, and Connection: Supporting Children and Young Adults with Childhood Apraxia of Speech Ruth Rowntree and Olga Komadina (pictured)

Treating children and young adults with Childhood Apraxia of Speech can be challenging, especially when motivation is low. As therapist Olga Komadina explains, “We have to consider the child’s emotions at every stage. Therapy should stretch them, but never break them.”

There’s a fine balance between pushing a child to achieve their best and maintaining a warm, trusting relationship. Some sessions may feel tough, but avoiding challenge altogether can lead to stagnation. As Olga reminds us, “Most kids don’t want to do hard work, but that’s not a reason to stop therapy. One day, they’ll thank us for helping them find their voice.”

With teenagers, particularly those who missed early intervention, shared decision-making becomes essential. Involving them in choosing when to use speech or alternative communication encourages ownership and autonomy.

Younger children, meanwhile, need therapy to feel like play. They may not understand what apraxia means, but they can enjoy games, laughter, and success. For older students, Olga often integrates real-life words, discussions, and visual feedback.

Therapy evolves, too what begins as movement-based speech work often transitions into articulation and phonological practice to fine-tune clarity and rhythm. Ultimately, progress depends on confidence, creativity, and genuine connection.

💙 Exciting news! 💙
We’ll be attending the Walk for Apraxia in Ballarat on Sunday, 26 October. This event is a wonderful way to raise awareness of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and show support for the kids and families impacted.

👣 Check-in & activities: 11:00 a.m.
👣 Ceremony & walk: 12:00 p.m.
📍 Mill Point, Lake Wendouree

If you’d like to support this cause, please consider making a donation — the link is in my bio. 🙌

Together, let’s help make voices heard. 💙🧡
#WalkForApraxia #CASAwareness #apraxiakids

✨ I’m thrilled to share that our very first CAS Mentorship Group is now underway! With 9 passionate speech pathologists onboard, this group is officially closed.

I’ve kept this initial cohort intentionally small, so I can give each participant the guidance and support they deserve. 💙

➡️ If you’d like to be part of the second cohort, you can now add your name to the waitlist by completing the short application form on my website.

This is the best way to get notified when spots open — places will remain limited to keep the group personal and impactful. Link in bio
#speechtherapy #apraxia #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #slpsofinstagram

✨ Parent Feedback on the eBook!✨
Jordan, a parent, shared how relieved they felt finding clear, practical guidance instead of the overwhelming info that comes up when you first google CAS.

💬 “The guide is so terrific! I love how clearly it’s written. Wish I had come across this when I first heard of CAS as the info when you google is so scary and unhelpful. Thanks again ✨”

Jordan was also able to purchase the eBook using their NDIS plan — a great reminder that resources like this can often be covered under capacity building supports.

If you’re looking for a clear, supportive roadmap for your child’s CAS journey, the link is in my bio 💛 #childhoodapraxia #speechtherapy #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #slpsofinstagram #speechtherapyathome #speechtherapyresources #apraxia

✨ From vowels to cockatoo! ✨

When I first met Liam at 8 years old, he was speaking only in vowels. He couldn’t yet say 1–2 syllable words clearly, and early consonant sounds like t, d, n, and w were missing. His speech was completely unintelligible.

Fast forward just 6 months of twice-weekly telehealth sessions (plus consistent home practice with his amazing mum 💪)… and on their family holiday I get this video: Liam saying not a 1-syllable word, not a 2-syllable word, but a 3-syllable word — cockatoo! 🦜

Yes, it still needs smoothing, but this leap from only vowels to tackling multisyllabic words is incredible. He continues to amaze us every week. 💙

➡️ For practical therapy tips (like teaching 3-syllable words), check out my eBook [link in bio].
➡️ My upcoming online module will also teach my evidence-based syllable shape framework — the exact approach that takes kids with apraxia from vowels only to complex words like Liam’s cockatoo.

#ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #ApraxiaTherapy #SpeechPathology #CAS #SpeechTherapyProgress #ApraxiaKids #SpeechTherapyTips #slpsofinstagram #apraxia

💙 For the first time, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is being featured on national news 💙

As the Thriving Kids and NDIS talks continue, it’s critical the public — and decision-makers — understand:
• CAS requires specialised, intensive therapy at least twice a week with a speech pathologist trained in CAS.
• A group program or long waitlist severely disadvantages these children.
• CAS cannot be lumped into the same category as “speech delay.”
• CAS cannot be treated effectively in a group setting — it requires individualised, targeted therapy.
• CAS is not caused by iPads or screen time.
• And unlike other speech or language delays, children with CAS do not simply grow out of it.

This is why public awareness matters. Everyone has heard of autism — it’s time people also know what Childhood Apraxia of Speech is.

📺 The story will also feature on the ABC 7pm News tonight. Please tune in if you can and help spread awareness.

We call on @NDIS_AUS, @MarkButlerMP, @speechpathaus and @apraxia_kids to ensure CAS is recognised in the Thriving Kids program as a lifelong neurological disability requiring adequate, ongoing, and specialised support.

👉 Read the ABC feature: [link in bio]
Tags: @abcnews_au @NDIS_AUS @MarkButlerMP @speechpathaus @apraxia_kids
Hashtags: #ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #CASAwareness #NDIS #ThrivingKids

Something very special is airing tomorrow 💙 Childhood Apraxia of Speech is being featured on the national news! Stay tuned for details — Jade’s story will be on ABC News Sunday at 7pm.
#ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #ApraxiaAwareness #ABCNews

✨ I feel so honoured to have been invited onto The Energised CEO Podcast 🎙 with Nevena Gravovac.

We spoke about courage in business, niching in CAS and autism, and why humble beginnings don’t define success.

Nevena is the Founder of Counter of Therapy Talks Speech Pathology Clinic in Melbourne, where she and her team run the highly regarded Preschool Readiness Program that supports so many children and families. She also has such a heart for lifting others up in business — which shines through every episode she creates. 💜

🎧 Episode 10 is live now on Spotify — link in bio!
And whether you’re a speechie or not, you’ll take away so much from her other episodes too.

Thank you again to @energisedceopodcast for the opportunity!

#speechpathology #CAS #apraxia #autismtherapy #privatepracticegrowth #therapistmindset #slplife #womeninbusiness #slpsofinstagram

📚 We don’t build houses out of sand — we build them with bricks.
And in the same way, we don’t build speech out of raw sounds — we build it with 𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬. #SyllableHierarchy

This is one of the key foundations of #CASTherapy:
✔️ The #PrinciplesOfMotorLearning explain 𝐇𝐎𝐖 we teach.
✔️ The syllable hierarchy shows us 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 we’re working on.

As #CAStherapists, we need to understand the hierarchy inside and out. Unlike #Articulation or #Phonology therapy, CAS therapy requires us to think differently. If we don’t understand the 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓, then the 𝐇𝐎𝐖 loses its power.

And it’s not enough to simply say you’ll “never segment a word.” True #ApraxiaTherapy means knowing how to 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐬 so the child can achieve success — often in the very first session. 💡

✨ This slide is from my 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞, where I break down the “building blocks” of therapy and show how to apply them in real-world sessions.
👉 The module is 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 — I’m still putting the finishing touches on it!
🔗 Keep an eye on the link in my bio for updates and early access.

#ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #SpeechTherapy #SpeechPathology #ApraxiaAwareness #SpeechMotorPlanning #CASspecialist #SLPsofinstagram

The Apraxia CAS Therapy Handbook is here! 🎉

This 40+ page resource is packed with real therapy examples, #cueingstrategies and practical tools you can start using straight away — designed for both parents and #speechpathologists who want clear, real-life guidance on supporting children with #childhoodapraxiaofspeech.

💬 Over the past few months, so many of you have reached out during pre-launch — I’ll be following up individually with everyone who expressed interest. I can’t wait for you to have this in your hands!

📚 Whether you’re on a waitlist, wanting to learn how to support your own child, or a #slp ready to grow your #CAS skills — this #speechtherapy handbook will give you the clarity and direction you’ve been looking for.

🔗 Visit my website to get your copy (link in bio).

✨ If there’s interest, we may also start a private Facebook group for #ebook owners as a way to continue supporting each other on this journey.

📢 Update (Aug 2025): With recent #NDIS changes, therapy resources like this eBook can no longer be claimed from #corefunding. If using NDIS funds, they now need to come from your #capacitybuilding – #improveddailyliving budget and be linked to your plan goals. If you’re #planmanaged, it’s best to check with your #planmanager before purchasing to confirm it’s claimable.

#apraxiaawareness #slpsofinstagram #slplife #speechpathology #instaslp
@apraxiakids @speechies_in_aus @speechpathology_aus

🎥 I’m scrolling through the nearly complete Apraxia CAS Therapy Handbook — the first of its kind.
Are you seeing bits and pieces online… but struggling to put it all together? This handbook connects the dots. A detailed breakdown of every single tool in my CAS therapy toolkit.
🧠 Collected over the past 20 years.
The reason CAS is hard to treat?
Because simply attending a course isn’t enough.
You need someone to mentor you — to help you connect theory to practice over months, not just a weekend.
This handbook is my attempt to do just that.
To guide you as if I were right beside you.
💬 Packed with therapy videos.
📚 Full of clinical tips and real examples.
🔁 Designed to evolve — I’ll keep updating it as I learn, refine, and add new techniques.
A private Facebook group is also in the works — just for Speechies and Parents working through the book. A space to ask questions, reflect, and feel supported.
Together, we can change the trajectory for children with CAS.
We can give them the voice they deserve. 💛. #speechtherapy #castherapy #speechlanguagepathology #speechtherapyresources #apraxia #apraxiakids #dttc #resttherapy #

Still buzzing from Amy Graham’s Tackling Tricky Cases workshop in Melbourne! 🐨🎤✨
The room was jam-packed (literally and intellectually!) with brilliant clinicians and so many useful takeaways on all things 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 — with plenty of 𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 woven throughout. 💬🧠

It was also such a treat to finally meet — in person! — one of the lovely SLPs I supervise from a different state. And completely by chance, three of us from 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐲-𝐖𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚 ended up at the same table! 😄🫶🏼

I was super chuffed to pick up a copy of 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐄𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭’𝐬 book — especially meaningful after having had the honour of learning directly under 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 with hands-on, in-clinic training back in 2010. 🙏🏼📘

And of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing 𝐏𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚’𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞, a classic resource full of movement-based strategies for 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 and articulation work. 📚✨

Big thanks to @grahamspeechtherapy and @sydneyspeechclinic for such an inspiring and energising day. 💙

#speechsounddisorders #apraxiaofspeech #slpeeps #speechtherapy #childhoodapraxia #speechpathologist #slpaustralia #slplife #continuingeducation #melbourneslp #alburywodonga #melbourneworkshop #slpworkshop #grahamspeechtherapy #amygraham #sydneyspeechclinic #slpcommunity #slpinspo #professionaldevelopment

🎯 Teaching Coarticulation Between Words
In this video, I’m focusing on supporting smooth, connected speech movements—as emphasised by the DTTC approach! 👄✨

🗝️ Key reminders:
✔️ Ask them to watch your mouth, not your face or or eyes (this can be uncomfortable for some kids)
✔️ Hold the child’s hands to help focus on your mouth/on the words
✔️ Try to come down to the child’s level so you’re in their line of sight—this helps avoid asking them over and over to look at your mouth!
✔️ Use tactile & visual cues as needed
✔️ Slow down your rate
✔️ Emphasise movements between words, not just individual words
✔️ Build towards a smooth, unbroken sentence
✔️ We’re also using a wobble cushion as recommended by her physio to assist with focus 🪑

🔑 For parents and SLPs: Don’t rush! Help your child feel how words link together as one fluid motion.

💬 Let me know if you’d like a more detailed breakdown of how I structure these sessions!

#childhoodapraxiaofspeech #coarticulation #dttc #speechtherapy #speechpathology #slp #apraxiatherapy #speechdevelopment #motorspeechdisorders

I’m working on my first eBook, The Apraxia CAS Therapy Playbook: No Jargon, Just Results. It’s a simple, no-nonsense guide for parents and SLPs, packed with real-life therapy examples and practical strategies.

I’ve condensed over 20 years of experience with CAS into this easy-to-read resource to help families and therapists start strong—no endless research rabbit holes!

If you’d like to be one of the first to know when it’s ready, send me a DM with the word ‘eBook’ below and I’ll keep you posted.

#childhoodapraxiaofspeech #apraxiatherapy #speechtherapy #slpresources #earlyintervention

In this video, I share some of the motor speech cues I learned from David Hammer (now retired, but former Director of Professional Development at Apraxia Kids) a long time ago and still use every day with my CAS kids. This isn’t a polished video – I originally created it years ago to quickly share with teachers, and I’ve found myself digging it out over and over to show to new families and teachers. So I figured I’d finally share it here on my CAS YouTube channel in case it helps any other therapists or parents.

You may notice some of these cues are similar to the ‘Speech Sounds on Cue’ cued articulation cues – because they are! The main difference is that some of these cues are motorically simplified, as many of the children with CAS we support can find other motor tasks challenging, not just speech motor tasks. We also often use ‘b/p’ and similar cues interchangeably for simplicity’s sake.

These cues can be used in conjunction with any other motor-based therapy, such as DTTC, Kaufman, Nuffield, ReST, or others. They’re simple but effective, giving children with apraxia clear movement-based support during speech practice. In time, I’ll make a more refined version of this video, but for now, this shows the gist of how I use them in my sessions.

I hope this is helpful for you too!

#childhoodapraxiaofspeech
#motorspeechtherapy
#speechtherapytips

🧠 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭?
Join my free monthly CAS supervision group — for speech pathologists and students!
✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨:
✅ 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠
✅ 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 & 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠
✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
🗓 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 | 𝟏𝟐𝐩𝐦 𝐀𝐄𝐒𝐓 (𝐞𝐱. 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬)
💬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐑” 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐌 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤.
#speechpathology #apraxiatherapy #CASsupport #SLPsupervision #childhoodapraxia

“He tries his heart out to get the words across.”

Ashton’s story was featured in The Border Mail this week for 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡. It highlights his 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲, the 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐀𝐒 (𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡), and the 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭—especially when children are 𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐱.

I feel 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲. Stories like his are 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨.

The full article is behind a 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥, so I’ve shared a few 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 here with credit to The Border Mail and journalist 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐲.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 to Ashton’s family for helping raise awareness and to our 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 for giving space to 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.

#ApraxiaAwareness #ChildhoodApraxia #SpeechTherapy #CAS #NDIS #ApraxiaAwarenessMonth #Wodonga #RealStoriesMatter #SpeechPathologyAustralia

Picked up some great tips today for supporting kids with CAS as they learn to read:
1. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 with the child at first (to support their speech), then gradually fade your support.
2. 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 (e.g., baaaag) rather than segmenting (e.g., b-a-g), where possible.
3. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 when the focus is comprehension — no need to complicate things with speech demands.

Really looking forward to the 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 this amazing team is working on!

@bjoremspeech @apraxiatreatment
#childhoodapraxiaofspeech #CASliteracy #slpcommunity #apraxiatreatment

Struggling to come up with target words for your apraxia sessions?
Here’s how I use 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐆𝐏𝐓 to quickly generate 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 tailored to each child’s needs—whether I’m looking for 𝐂𝐕𝐂𝐬, 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬, or a specific 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭.
It’s a 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫 and a great way to keep therapy sessions 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 and 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞!

Try it for your next session and let me know how it goes!

#ApraxiaTherapy #SpeechPathologyTips #CAS #SLPtools #ChatGPTforTherapists

Thank you @mikeyswishfoundation for helping raise 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 for 𝐂𝐀𝐒, even in a week that included an event at 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞!
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 & 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞:
https://youtu.be/gr93uP-R1MQ?si=wfTacAj83Lqr4Cw5

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 (𝐂𝐀𝐒) 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 – 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

This video features three incredible children from 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 who are living with 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 (𝐂𝐀𝐒)—a 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 that affects a child’s ability to plan and coordinate the precise movements required for speech.

Shared as part of 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, the video aims to help the wider community better understand what CAS is, what it sounds like, and how it impacts communication and daily life. It also serves as a heartfelt call to the 𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒 and 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 to continue recognising and supporting children with CAS.

Unlike speech delays that may resolve on their own, 𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲—without it, children are at risk of being left without a voice.

Together, let’s 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, and ensure 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝.

Please 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 to help raise awareness this Apraxia Awareness Month. 💙

🔊 #apraxiaawareness
🗣️ #apraxiakids
💬 #everychilddeservesavoice
#ndisaustralia

🌟 Final Reminder — It’s Tomorrow! 🌟
Join us Thursday evening, May 8, from 5:30–6:30pm at the glowing Wodonga Water Tower as we shine a light on Childhood Apraxia of Speech 💙

There’ll be:
🍫 Thick Italian hot chocolate (just warm enough for little hands)
🍬 Marshmallows + macaroons
✨ A cozy bench to gather, connect, and chat
📸 And The Border Mail will be covering the event!

Come with your family, meet others who care, and help spread awareness for these incredible kids.

#ApraxiaAwarenessMonth #Wodonga #LightItUpBlue #ChildhoodApraxia #SpeechTherapyAustralia #EveryVoiceMatters

Dear Families and Local Speechies and Community,
This Thursday evening, 9 May, the Wodonga Water Tower will be lit up in blue for Apraxia Awareness Month—to shine a light on the children in our community living with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
I’ll be there from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, with a simple awareness setup, a glowing sign, and an open invitation for families, fellow speech pathologists, educators, and supporters to come by—whether you stay five minutes or the full hour.
At 6:00pm, we’ll shine our torches together in a moment of solidarity for children with CAS.
Wear a splash of blue and bring a torch or glow stick if you’d like to take part.
This is not a formal event—just a meaningful moment to connect, raise visibility, and support each other.
If you’re a parent navigating CAS, come meet others walking the same path. If you’re a fellow speechie and have questions about apraxia—how it’s diagnosed, how we treat it, or how we advocate for it—I’d love to chat and share insights. Thanks for being part of this village. Hope to see you there.
Warmly,
Olga Komadina
Speech Pathologist | Exclusively Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech
www.olgakomadinapraxiatherapy.com.au
#apraxiaawarenessmonth

Thank you @wodongacouncil for helping us shine a light on Childhood Apraxia of Speech 💙
Raising awareness together with @apraxia_kids
#ApraxiaAwareness #EveryChildDeservesAVoice
The Wodonga Water Tower is turning blue next week! 💙
From 5–9 May, the tower will be lit up in support of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) — a rare and often misunderstood speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to speak clearly, even though they understand everything.
As part of Apraxia Awareness Month, this lighting is a way to honour the children and families navigating CAS every day — and to highlight the importance of early, specialised therapy.
📸 Snap a photo of the lit-up tower next week and tag it:
#ApraxiaAwareness #EveryChildDeservesAVoice
💙 Please feel free to share this flyer and help spread awareness in our local community.

📣 NDIS is changing — and families of kids with Childhood Apraxia of Speech may be impacted.
CAS isn’t “just a speech delay.” It’s a neurological speech disorder that needs specialised support.
We’re here to make sure those voices are heard.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351701449459130
💬 Join our community: Search NDIS & Apraxia Advocacy – Australia on Facebook

✨ Encouraging Speech Without Pressure ✨

If your child isn’t imitating words yet, don’t stress! Instead of saying “Say ball”, try this simple technique I learned from Cari Ebert 👏

🔹 Model the word you WISH they would say instead of asking them to say it
🔹 Pause expectantly to give them a chance to process and attempt (repeat three times)
🔹 Accept any attempt – even if it’s not perfect!
🔹 Give them the item regardless – we’re building joint attention, confidence, and imitation skills over time!

For kids with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) or suspected apraxia, reducing pressure and creating natural opportunities for imitation is key.

If you’re supporting a little one on their speech journey, save this post and share it with another parent or therapist who needs this tip! 💬💙

Follow @CariEbert_SLP for more great ideas, and check out Laura Mize for tips on teaching imitation.

#CASawareness #ApraxiaAustralia #SpeechTherapyTips #ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #LateTalker #ParentingTips #EarlyIntervention #SpeechDevelopment #NDIS #AustralianParents #SLP #SpeechPathology #ToddlerSpeech #ApraxiaSupport

🚨 SLPs, you know how tricky backing is to treat! 🚨
Backing is a common pattern in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)—but unlike other speech patterns, it doesn’t simplify speech, it actually makes it harder! That’s why it’s considered an unusual process in typical speech development.
🎯 In this session, we’re tackling a tough case of backing. Initially, my client couldn’t produce the “t” sound at all without backing it. But through lots of therapy, he can now say “t” and “d” in many word combinations—except when a “tee” or “dee” syllable appears.
💡 What’s the next step? To firmly establish C1V1C2V2 words (including ‘tee’ and ‘dee’ and move toward later developing sounds and complex syllable structures.
🔥 Therapy tools that finally broke through:
✔ Minimal pairs to build awareness
✔ Vowel approximation for easier transitions
✔ Physical/tactile cues for jaw stability
🎉 Breakthrough moment: He successfully produced “tee” and “two”! Now, we’ll gradually fade my physical cue by replacing it with:
➡ My finger on his chin
➡ His own finger on his chin
➡ A visual cue (pointing to his chin)
➡ Finally, no cue at all!
🙌 Follow along for more of this client’s incredible CAS journey!
#ApraxiaTherapy #ChildhoodApraxia #SLP #SpeechTherapy #CAS #MinimalPairs #SpeechSoundDisorders #DTTC #PROMPT #Kaufman #SLPsOfInstagram

📢 Don’t Hesitate to Collaborate! 🤝

When your usual therapy strategies aren’t working, or you feel something else is going on, reach out and collaborate. Bringing in another perspective can make all the difference for your client.

💡 Fresh insights = better outcomes!
👥 Learning from others makes YOU a better therapist.

We’re all in this to help kids thrive—let’s support each other in doing that! 🙌

#speechtherapyideas #childhoodapraxia #slpcollaboration #therapistssupportingtherapists #apraxiatherapy #speechpathologyaustralia #slpcommunity

🎉 FREE Apraxia Practice Videos! 🎉

I’ve put together a series of videos to support home practice for Childhood Apraxia of Speech using DTTC and Kaufman techniques! 💬✨

✅ Videos Available Now:
🔹 CVCV reduplicated (e.g., mama, papa)
🔹 C1V1C2V2 (e.g., mummy, puppy)
🔹 CV (e.g., me, pea)
🔹 VC (e.g., out, up)
🔹 CVC repetitive (e.g., mum, pop)

🚀 Coming Soon:
🔹 CVC early sounds (e.g., mop, put)
🔹 C1V1C2V2 (e.g., muddy, putting)
🔹 CVCVCV (e.g., tomato, potato)

These videos are designed to help parents and therapists with structured, research-backed speech practice at home! 🏡🗣️

🔍 Find them on YouTube 👉 @OlgaKomadinaApraxiaTherapy

Tag a parent or therapist who might find this helpful! 💙

#childhoodapraxia #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #apraxiatherapy #speechtherapyideas #dttc #kaufmanspeechtolanguageprotocol #apraxiakids #speechpathologyaustralia

🌟 Witness the power of word approximations in speech therapy! 🌟

In this reel, watch as our client progresses from saying “Ta-ee” to accurately pronouncing her sister’s name, “Charlie.” By using word approximations, we support children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) in achieving clearer communication.

#SpeechTherapy #ChildhoodApraxia #WordApproximations #SLP #Progress #Kaufman #DTTC #SpeechPathology #TherapyJourney #cas

Note: Word approximations, such as “ba” for “bottle” or “ma” for “more,” are common in early speech development and are considered valid words.

How do I know if it’s Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
If your child’s speech sounds like many of the consonants are missing or the errors seem inconsistent and unpredictable, it could be Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Unlike other speech disorders, CAS isn’t about rule-based errors - it’s about struggling to plan the movements for speech, and visible groping may be observed.
The good news? Early support can make a huge difference.
DM me or follow for more insights on CAS.
#ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #CAS
#SpeechTherapy #ApraxiaSigns #SpeechPathology #ParentSupport
#EarlyIntervention #CommunicationMatters #SpeechDevelopment #HopeForApraxia

Will my child ever speak?
This question weighs heavy on the hearts of parents navigating Childhood Apraxia of Speech
(CAS). But the truth is, lack of progress doesn’t mean your child can’t be helped - it means they may need a different approach.
Unless a child starts therapy very late in their teenage years or has other complex challenges, they can learn to speak with the right support.
My experience, and that of experts like Edyth Strand, shows that therapy based on the principles of motor learning makes a huge ditterence.
Don’t give up hope. With the right guidance, your child’s voice deserves to be heard.
Follow for more insights or send me a message if you need support on this journey.
#ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #CAS
#ApraxiaTherapy #SpeechTherapy #DTTC
#EdytheStrand #WillMyChildSpeak
#ParentSupport #CommunicationMatters #HopeForApraxia #SpeechPathology

🌟 From Simple to Complex: 2 Years of CAS
Progress 🌟
Watch the incredible transformation of this client as they journey from making significant errors on basic words to confidently tackling much more complex words and sentences two years later!
This video showcases the power of consistent therapy and dedication in overcoming Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). It’s a testament to the resilience of children with CAS and the importance of targeted, effective therapy.
If you’re a parent or a speech therapist looking for hope and inspiration, this is for you!
- Follow for more real-life CAS therapy moments, tips, and progress stories.
#ChildhoodApraxiaOfSpeech #CASProgress
#SpeechTherapy #ApraxiaJourney
#BeforeAndAfter #SpeechDevelopment
#CASAwareness #ApraxiaTherapy
#ChildhoodApraxia #SpeechMilestones #SpeechPathology #SpeechTherapist
#ProgressNotPerfection #neuroaffirming

Ever wonder what really happens in speech therapy? 🤔
I’m letting you in on the magical moments I see every day.
Follow along as I post daily!
#casawareness #childhoodapraxia #cas

First session with this sweet boy with CAS. Excited to see how far he will come.

The first of our DTTC therapy example videos. This client is making such wonderful progress, and only started with DTTC therapy at 14 years of age (6 months ago). Jade hopes that in sharing her speech therapy journey with others, she can help increase awareness of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and make it possible for other children with CAS to be able to access effective speech therapy, as early as possible. Watch here https://youtu.be/_hEKoCiErdQ?si=6I1MDxpxPcY-3O2u

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxAm_0UI6h6dKIBrcFbM2A1Qo_5YKsALOx?si=ARtZniCMt_OlZu76

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@olgakomadina_apraxia_therapy

✨ Get in Touch

For Parents & Families

Olga offers a brief introductory phone chat to help determine whether her services are the right fit for your child’s needs.During this call, she can:

•Recommend whether a parent support group might be suitable

•Suggest relevant resources or next steps for CAS support

•Answer quick questions and help you feel confident moving forward

Please note: Olga is not currently offering new ongoing individual therapy, but may occasionally offer one-off or short-term face-to-face sessions to supplement group support where appropriate.

To arrange a call, please get in touch via:

📧 info@olgakomadinapraxiatherapy.com.au or

📞 0414599745 👩‍⚕️ For Speech Pathologists

For Speech Pathologists

Olga offers CAS group mentoring and online training for speech pathologists supporting children with apraxia.This includes:

•A small mentoring group (capped at 20 participants) with practical guidance, case discussions, and real-world clinical strategies in a supportive environment

•Access to online modules, including annotated, full-length CAS therapy sessions and therapy resources you can use in your own practice

To request a place in the CAS mentoring group or express interest in the online modules, please complete the form on this website or contact:📧 info@olgakomadinapraxiatherapy.com.au

Follow us on social media

Discover:

Real therapy example videos
Follow-along motor speech practice videos your child can try at home or in the car
Demonstrations of how to use cues and strategies to teach words at home
Updates on new therapy resources as they become available
News about advocacy efforts and relevant apraxia-related information

Get in Touch

​

Follow us on Instagram

✨ Get in Touch

For Parents & Families

Follow us on social media