In celebration of my launch of Functional Treatment for Motor Speech, this blog series looks closer at individual treatments for dysarthria and acquired apraxia.

As someone who embraces the Life Participation Approach in speech therapy, it’s my aim to provide any sort of speech therapy in a way that improves functional outcomes. We are used to seeing this with language, and maybe cognition, but Motor Speech treatment needn’t be excluded! While it is an impairment-level problem, I believe that we can focus on function by 1. Using words and phrases that MATTER (personally-relevant) and 2. Include SPEAKING (not just speech) and real-life practice within our therapy sessions and home programs.

Today we’re discussing “The Classic” for severe apraxia: The 8-Step Continuum by Dr. Rosenbek.

What is Integral Stimulation and the 8-step Continuum?

Integral Stimulation refers to the models of “Watch me, Listen to me, Say It With Me”, which were key  to Dr. Rosenbek’s 8-step Continuum as one of the 1st treatment approaches for apraxia. Can you believe he first wrote about this in the 70’s?! Many future treatment approaches have used various parts of this 8-step continuum, showing just how insightful this approach was.

Who should I use the 8-Step Continuum with?

This is a treatment approach for acquired apraxia, severe impairment.

What sort of goals would the 8-Step Continuum address?

• Improved word or phrase production for trained stimuli
• reduced need for cues as treatment progresses

How does the 8-step Continuum relate to a person-centered approach?

The 8-Step Continuum is an impairment-based approach, but can be used with severe acquired apraxia to train personally-relevant words that will assist in communication.

How can I use the 8-Step Continuum in my speech therapy?

I’ve got you covered! As a clinical SLP, it’s my pleasure to bring ready-to-use resources for other SLPs that work in the clinical setting (without outside planning time). I’ve compiled MANY different treatments for dysarthria and apraxia, along with the scoring, in-session, home program, goal-writing, and functional ideas you need in Functional Treatment for Motor Speech. Hop on over and check it out – I hope you love it.

Key Reference Duffy, J. (2005). Motor Speech Disorders, St Louis: Elsevier Mosby.