Treating CAS/sCAS and Coaching Caregivers in Early Intervention

Presented by: Jill Hess, MS, CCC-SLP and Caroline Mancuso, MA, CCC-SLP

Recorded Webinar total 0.15 ASHA CEUs
View Recording: October 20-November 21, 2025

Abstract:
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to coordinate the movements necessary for speech. This presentation provides an in-depth overview of CAS, defining its primary and additional diagnostic features. We will explore how to identify early signs of CAS, particularly in children under the age of three, when intervention can have the greatest impact on speech development. Central to this discussion is the application of principles of motor learning in early intervention. These principles are crucial for optimizing treatment and helping children with CAS improve speech production. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how to effectively apply these principles to their therapeutic approaches with young children. The presentation also emphasizes the importance of empowering parents through coaching to support their child's progress. By teaching caregivers strategies that align with current research, clinicians can help families reinforce therapeutic goals outside of therapy sessions. The session will provide actionable strategies for teaching parents how to use communication techniques and modeling in their daily interactions with their child, ensuring consistency and progress across environments. Specific strategies tailored to children with suspected CAS in early intervention will also be discussed. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the signs, principles of intervention, and how to effectively collaborate with families to support the child’s development, leading to improved speech and communication outcomes.

Time-Ordered Agenda:

• 7 minutes: Intro
• 36 minutes: Recognizing signs of sCAS/CAS in very young children
• 15 minutes: Principles of Motor learning in sCAS/CAS
• 47 minutes: Strategies for treatment and coaching parents
• 3 minutes: Conclusion

Learner Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to ….

• Identify at least three primary diagnostic features and two additional indicators of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), including early signs in children under age three.
• Identify the rationale for early intervention in sCAS and explain at least two reasons why it is important to provide intervention for suspected childhood apraxia of speech (sCAS), even in the absence of a formal diagnosis.
• Describe and implement at least two key motor learning principles in early intervention, demonstrating how they can improve speech production in children with CAS.
• Create/develop a plan for incorporating family collaboration techniques to reinforce therapy goals across home and community settings.

Presenter Information

Jill Hess, MS, CCC-SLP is a qualified speech-language pathologist with 25 years of experience using evidence-based and family-centered therapy. She attended Arizona State University and received a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science in 1998.  Jill completed her master’s degree in 2000 at Loyola College in Maryland.  Since 2000, Jill has worked in a variety of settings including early intervention, home care, and private practice. She has owned her own private practice since 2006.  She successfully evaluates and treats a variety of speech and language delays and disorders, but has a passion and love for early intervention as well as treating speech sound disorders, specifically childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).  Jill is listed on the Apraxia Kids directory of SLPs and recognized by Apraxia Kids for advanced training and expertise in childhood apraxia of speech.  Jill also has training and experience in oral-motor/feeding disorders as well as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She and her husband moved to Colorado in 2006 and have enjoyed raising our two children in this great state and community.  When I'm not working, Jill enjoys exercising, hiking, travel and hanging out with family and friends.

Caroline Mancuso, MA, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of children under the age of three. Serving primarily in the South Denver metro area since 2004, Caroline has built expertise in a variety of areas, including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), articulation, phonology and parent coaching. Her treatment approach integrates evidence-based practices with a playful and engaging style that incorporates aspects of social-emotional development. She is listed on the Apraxia Kids Provider directory. Caroline is passionate about empowering parents to be active participants in their child’s therapy, ensuring that strategies learned in sessions are reinforced at home. She is a member of the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory and is enrolled in the intensive training program for late summer 2025 to further expand her expertise in CAS. Outside of her professional work, Caroline enjoys exploring neurology and human development from a recreational perspective. She is also an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like skiing, paddle boarding and hiking. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and her dog, and she’s always up for a good laugh.

Disclosure Statement

Jill Hess has a financial relationship with Connect theTots Speech Therapy and will be referencing this company/organization during her presentation.  Jill is a volunteer for the Apraxia Kids Walk and is listed on the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory

Caoline Mancuso has a finanical relationship with aLINEment Therapy, Inc.  and will be referencing this company/organization during her presentation.  Caroline is listedd on the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory

Registration

Members $5
Non-Members $25

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Non-Members: click here to register

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A full refund will be granted if the cancellation request is received on or before October 19, 2025.

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Continuing Education

Satisfactory Completion Requirements:
Certificates of completion will be awarded after active attendance at the entire presentation, submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided.