Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study addresses the controversial diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and the struggle many clinicians face with differential diagnosis through a retrospective qualitative case study following a participant who received the diagnosis of CAS. Research questions targeted the characteristics the participant presented with, whether they were consistent or not, as well as if they were unique to CAS or evidence of a phonological disorder, and the treatment approaches that were implemented throughout the participant’s history of receiving speech-language services and the effectiveness of those approaches. These research questions were answered through the records and documents obtained from the participant’s therapeutic journey. The participant presents with characteristics that could evidence CAS, however, presentation of some characteristics of CAS are not necessarily indicative of the diagnosis. This case study highlights the discrepancy between diagnoses and goals given to the same individual in a short time span with a variety of targets. As evidenced through this study, there continues to be a need for a diagnostic standard for CAS easily accessible to practicing speech-language pathologists.

Year manuscript completed

2021

Year degree awarded

2021

Author's Keywords

childhood apraxia of speech, differential diagnosis, case study, retrospective, qualitative

Thesis Advisor

Stephanie Schaaf

Committee Member

Megan Smetana

Committee Member

Jennifer Gaylord

Document Type

Thesis

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