October 30th, 2005
Genre 6: Pamphlet about DAS
What is Developmental Apraxia of Speech?
Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS, for short) is also known as Verbal Apraxia. It is a speech disorder that interferes with a child's ability to correctly pronounce sounds, syllables and words by preventing the face, tongue, lips and jaw to work properly. Usually there is nothing wrong with the child's facial muscles but the area of the brain responsible for telling the muscles how to move is damaged or not fully developed.
Main Characteristics of DAS:
Child struggles to speak
Child says words easily sometimes; other times has difficulty with same word
Child uses small number of sounds
Child has more difficulty with conversation than with imitating sounds
Child has difficulty combining words
Child sounds worse as the length of sentence increases
Child speaks slowly, rapidly or has uneven pace
Cause of DAS:
DAS is a neurologically based speech disorder whose causes are unknown at this time. Some theories suggest the impairment is the result of a small injury or difference in the area of the brain responsible for speech.
Treatment:
It is important to know that a child will not "grow out of" DAS. Therapy is required to improve the child's speech. This therapy is usually intensive and requires 2-3 sessions a week, beginning soon after the child is diagnosed. Children can start therapy as young as 18 months and usually attend for 2-3 years. Most children with DAS become proficient speakers after treatment. In severe cases, augmentative devices may be used to aid the child.
For More Information:
If you suspect your child may have DAS, you should consult your local Speech-Language Pathologist. To locate one in your area, visit: www.asha.org. If you would like more information about DAS, please go to: www.apraxia-kids.org or www.nidcd.gov.
Resources:
What is Developmental Apraxia of Speech? Retrieved October 27, 2005, from http://www.tayloredmktg.com/dyspraxia/das.shtml#what.htm
Aram, D. M., & Horwitz, S. J. (1983). Sequential and non-speech praxic abilities in developmental verbal apraxia. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 25 (2), 197-206. Retrieved September 7, 2005 from the Medline database.
blackwell3
2. Audience: The audience is the general public, particularly people who may not know about DAS.
3. Say back: The author describes that DAS is a developmental disorder in children which interferes with the child's ability to pronounce words correctly. It gives the reader information on the characteristics, causes and treatment of DAS.
4. Bless: I really liked the way you were so specific in your treatment section which describes when a child should begin therapy, how often they should go to therapy, and how often a child can be expected to receive therapy.
5. Address: The only thing I would consider changing is the first sentence under "For More Information." The way you say "your local SLP" makes it sound like there is only one in your area. Maybe you could change it to "contact a SLP in your area" Overall you did an excellent job!
Stalnaker
2. Audience: The general public, those suffering from DAS, and family/friends of those with DAS
3. Say Back: DAS is a neurologically based speech disorder that affects speech due to the inability to use the face, tongue, lips, and jaw correctly. It is a treatable disorder, but it does require extensive therapy.
4. Bless: I liked how the author made the information very easy to follow and understand. I also liked how the author added sources where one can locate additional information on DAS.
5. Address: You might want to consider telling the audience what "augmentative devices" are. Some people may not be aware of what this term means.