Effects of caregiver training on speech treatment outcomes in children with apraxia

The Effects of Caregiver Training on Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) Treatment Outcomes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

This study tests how different types of training for caregivers can affect the speech treatment results for young children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 24 Months to 95 Months
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: New York University (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Hempstead, New York and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05916222 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates how different types of caregiver training impact treatment outcomes for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) undergoing Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) intervention. Forty children aged 2;5 to 7;11 will receive DTTC treatment twice a week for eight weeks, with caregivers participating in either direct or indirect training. Caregivers in the Direct Training Group will receive coaching during sessions, while those in the Indirect Training Group will observe without detailed guidance. All caregivers will complete an educational module and engage in home practice with their children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2;6 to 7;11 with a primary diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Not a fit: Patients with concomitant disorders such as autism spectrum disorder or other significant developmental delays may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of speech therapy for children with CAS by improving caregiver involvement.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with caregiver involvement in speech therapy, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Child Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

1. 2;6-7;11 years of age at the start of treatment
2. English as the primary and preferred language
3. Primary speech diagnosis of CAS based on auditory-perceptual, expert diagnosis and/or Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skills (DEMSS) score classification of "significant evidence of CAS" with score \<323

Exclusion Criteria

1. Concomitant disorders including autism spectrum disorder, global development delay, or intellectual disability, Down syndrome, or other genetic condition (diagnosis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is allowable if the child can attend in sessions with medication and/or strategies)
2. Primary diagnosis of dysarthria or other speech sound disorder (e.g., phonological impairment).
3. Oral structural anomalies
4. Hearing impairment
5. Uncorrected visual impairment
6. Receiving speech treatment elsewhere during the period of the study. Language or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) treatment is permitted.
7. Receptive Language Index standard score less than 70 on the Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Test - 4th Edition (REEL-4), Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals - Preschool 3rd Edition (CELF-P3), or Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals - 5th Edition (CELF-5), as appropriate for participant's age.
8. Cognitive standard score less than 70 on the Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC) - ages 2;0 - 5;11, Nonverbal Index of Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales - 2nd Edition - age 6;0 - 7;11

Where this trial is running

Hempstead, New York and 1 other locations

• Hofstra University — Hempstead, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
• New York University — New York, New York, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Maria I Grigos, PhD

Conditions: Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Children, Speech, Intervention