Siloed vs. Interprofessional approach: Speech language pathologists' and occupational therapists’ perspectives on comorbidity of childhood apraxia of speech and sensory processing disorder

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2023

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice

Abstract

Background

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurologic pediatric speech sound disorder characterized by impaired movements required for speech production. While potentially existing in isolation, CAS is a motor-based condition that may frequently co-occur with sensory processing disorder (SPD), challenges with receiving, understanding and responding to sensory information.

Purpose

This study aimed to reveal shared understanding of CAS and SPD, integral to differential diagnosis and prognostication by skilled occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) and speech language pathologists (SLPs).

Methods

Via reflexive thematic analysis, this study analyzed responses from SLPs and OTPs elicited from focus group and survey, evaluating perspectives on potential co-morbid presentation and collaborative treatment of CAS and SPD.

Discussion

Key findings support unification of common clinical language when treating children where CAS and SPD each serve an agreeable ‘soft-landing’ function for less acceptable terms of globally occurring disorder.

Conclusion

Intentional interprofessional approaches to serve clients with complex challenges can improve clinicians’ shared knowledge while expanding conceptualization to co-morbid presentation.

DOI

10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100611

Published Citation

Friedman, Zahava L., and Kate Nealon. “Siloed vs. Interprofessional Approach: Speech Language Pathologists’ and Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on Comorbidity of Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Sensory Processing Disorder.” Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, vol. 31, June 2023, p. 100611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100611.

Share

COinS