
Almost everything is different because the nature of CAS is different from other speech sound disorders. Traditional speech therapy methods utilize a phonological approach designed to help the child learn and produce sounds in a developmental sequence. Because CAS is disorder of motor planning and programming, effective treatment utilizes a motor-based approach that helps the child learn complex motor control necessary to produce words and sentences.
Therefore:
What is evidence-based treatment?
Evidence-based treatment means that a treatment has been scientifically studied and found to be effective. There are different degrees or “levels” of evidence. The strongest evidence is a randomized, controlled study (RCT) where a treatment is studied for effectiveness much like a new drug is studied. Other levels of evidence include studies with a small group of children by independent researchers. You can learn more about different types of studies and evidence here. It is important to point out that unlike drugs, therapy methods ARE NOT regulated by a third party and are therefore not required to have evidence of effectiveness. In fact, many therapy methods have no scientific support of effectiveness at all. However, the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) states that, when available, therapists should use evidence-based treatment methods. Learn more about evidence-based treatment here.
Which methods are evidence-based for treatment of CAS?
Currently only these CAS treatment approaches have adequate evidence of treatment efficacy:
Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST)
Integrated Phonological Awareness Intervention (IPA)
Nuffield Dyspraxia Program, Third Edition (NDP3)
Learn more about these therapy methods here.