This podcourse is part of the Apraxia Connect. Apraxia Connect is an online event where leading experts in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) were brought together to discuss the latest research, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. The sessions explored supporting families with children with CAS, fostering friendships and self-advocacy, and empowering parents and caregivers.

In this episode, I am joined by Laura Baskall Smith. She is a certified speech-language pathologist in the greater Denver Metro Area.  She received her bachelors degree in Communication Disorders at Metro State University, and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Northern Colorado.  She holds the Clinical Certificate of Competence from the American Speech/Language and Hearing Association, a DORA license from the state of Colorado; as well as her Colorado Department of Education license. She has obtained advanced certifications that include Apraxia Kids recognized for advanced training and clinical expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech along with being PROMPT trained.

Laura has been providing speech therapy for 16 years and have worked with a variety of speech and language disorders in the school and private sectors. She is passionate about working with children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) following my own daughter’s diagnosis in 2012 and is an active member with the Apraxia Kids, and was the walk coordinator for the Denver Walk for Childhood Apraxia of Speech from 2015-2019.

She is the author of the Overcoming Apraxia book which chronicles her daughter’s personal journey to overcoming CAS and is loaded with resources and information that would benefit professionals as well as parents and family members.

Laura also owns A Mile Speech Therapy, a private practice in which she exclusively provides differential diagnosis and treatment for children diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech.