The CAS Treatment Playbook: Motor-Based Intervention for Childhood Apraxia of Speech

If you're an SLP who feels uncertain every time a child with childhood apraxia of speech lands on your caseload, you're not alone. CAS is one of the most challenging diagnoses to treat—and most graduate programs barely scratch the surface. You know you're supposed to focus on motor planning, but what does that actually look like in session? How do you choose targets that make sense? How do you keep a four-year-old engaged while drilling movement patterns without it feeling like torture for both of you? This playbook gives you the clarity and structure you've been missing. You'll learn how to assess for CAS using the core diagnostic features, select appropriate targets based on what the child can do (not just what they're missing), apply motor learning principles like chaining and mass practice in ways that actually stick, and structure sessions that keep kids motivated and progressing. Every section is grounded in evidence-based practice and designed for real-world application—no fluff, no theory dumps, just the practical strategies you need to walk into your next session with a clear plan. Amy Graham has spent years training SLPs internationally on speech sound disorders and CAS intervention. She's been a practicing clinician for over 20 years and has distilled what works into a system any SLP can follow. Whether you're a new grad, a seasoned clinician brushing up on CAS, or a school-based SLP who needs a roadmap fast, this playbook will give you the confidence to treat CAS effectively.