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The Speech Motor Learning (SML) approach to treating apraxia of speech
What is it about?
The treatment methods and theoretical underpinnings of the Speech Motor Learning (SML) approach to treating childhood and acquired apraxia of speech (CAS and AOS) are described. This approach is grounded in the four level framework of speech sensorimotor control (Van der Merwe, 1997; 2009). In the reported study, the SML approach was applied in the treatment of a 33-month-old monolingual boy with idiopathic CAS and no other disorders. The results suggest positive effects on speech production.
Why is it important?
This study contributes to the growing literature on the treatment of CAS and proposes SML treatment (Van der Merwe, 2002, 2011) as a promising approach. The SML approach suggests guidelines regarding "what" children practice (treatment stimuli or targets) and also "how" they practice (steps to follow during treatment).