Clinicians often find it difficult to diagnose motor speech disorders, especially when a clear diagnostic incident hasn't occurred. This course focuses on children with Childhood Dysarthria (CD), Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), and Oral-Motor Disorders (OMD).

TalkTools Instructor Renee Roy Hill discusses differential diagnosis, focusing on characteristics that distinguish motor speech disorders from Phonological or Articulation Disorders. The course explores current research-based treatment options, assessment tools, and the implications of dual diagnoses.

The series concludes by integrating Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) and Myofunctional techniques with the principles of motor learning to develop comprehensive, speech-focused program plans.

• Define a Sensory-Motor Approach for Speech Clarity.
• Understand when and why an alternative treatment approach is recommended.
• Identify the 4 Domain Evaluation Process.
• Discover how a Multi-Sensory Approach shapes speech clarity for clients with dual diagnosis.
• Develop a framework for when to use a motor-based systems perspective.
• Learn the Muscle-Motor connection and specific bridging techniques.
• Review strategies for pre-verbal or pre-imitation clients.

This presentation focuses on treatment methods related to the use of TalkTools® resources. Other similar treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture.