A focused approach to CAS

Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a speech disorder in which a child has difficulty translating conscious speech plans into motor plans, which results in limited and difficult speaking abilities.

Play Works founder and director Sarah McDonnell, MA CCC-SLP offers personalized intensives for treating CAS, and is recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Clinical Expertise in the evaluation and treatment of CAS. She is a play advocate, holding steadfast to the research that children learn best when experiences are meaningful and fun!

An eclectic, evidence-based approach is taken with each child, incorporating a range of modalities including Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) and multi-sensory treatments (kinesthetic, tactile, auditory, visual cues).

Our programming includes review of historical records, initial assessment/consultation, and two treatment sessions per day for the duration of your child's intensive experience (4 days, 1-week, or 2-weeks). Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis sessions can also be incorporated into your child’s intensive. A video speech sample and case history will be requested prior to acceptance into the program.

Traveling from out of town? We offer discounted rates at Hampton Inn in downtown Hood River.

While at Play Works, many families choose for their children to receive occupational therapy or physical therapy services. Kids with apraxia of speech or other speech-sound disorders often benefit from oral-motor, fine-motor, gross motor, and even sensory integration therapy. We will arrange an individualized schedule for each child during the time that you are here. OT & PT sessions are an extra fee, charged at a rate of $150 per hour.