Telehealth Intervention and Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Scoping Review
Speech, Language and Hearing
Bahar, N., Namasivayam, A. K., et al. (2022).
Speech, Language and Hearing, 25(4), 450-462.
This systematic review investigates the effect of telepractice treatments for children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Not stated
January 1993 to May 20, 2020
All study designs
2
<div>Two studies were located, with specific findings as follows:</div>
<ul>
<li>One phase 1 study with 5 participants demonstrated generally positive outcomes following Rapid Syllable Transition treatment delivered via telehealth<strong> </strong>(Level 4 Evidence). Acquisition of pseudowords and generalization of gains to untreated behaviors showed similar outcomes between telepractice and in-person treatments. Stable speech skills were noted at four months post-treatment. Of note, one participant was receiving simultaneous expressive and receptive language therapy, which may have impacted their outcomes.</li>
<li>One feasibility study with 7 participants demonstrated a median of 40% improvement following the delivery of a Nuffield Dyspraxia Program-Third Edition hybrid telepractice program (i.e., clinician-directed therapy once a week for three weeks and remote therapy via mobile app three or four days a week either alone or with their parent; Level 4 Evidence). However, participants who participated in in-person therapy saw greater gains (median % change of 70%). Partial maintenance of effects was noted at 4 weeks for both groups. </li>
</ul>
<div>While these findings demonstrate positive outcomes following telepractice interventions for children with childhood apraxia of speech, they should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality of included studies, small sample sizes, and strong potential for bias. Further research is needed to determine the true effects of telepractice treatments in this population.</div>
