Apraxia RainbowBee 1.7

The Apraxia RainbowBee app offers a comprehensive approach to supporting children with speech production challenges linked to apraxia. One notable feature is the inclusion of brief videos that demonstrate mouth movements for syllables, words, and phrases presented. This enhances the learning experience by providing visual feedback alongside audio stimuli.

This multi-step, multi-modality program incorporates vibrant graphics, photos, audio, and engaging games. It aims to improve motor planning skills and is thoughtfully designed for children experiencing apraxic components that affect their speech articulation.

Therapists utilizing the Apraxia RainbowBee app can select from three levels of complexity while adjusting the type of visual, auditory, tactile, and lexical prompts provided. This flexibility extends to choosing specific targets and adjusting the number of stimulus trials at each level. Additionally, the app includes a plethora of images and video recordings, with options for therapists to incorporate their own materials to offer more personalized therapy sessions.

The app's structure reflects a deep understanding of motor planning principles, beginning with CV and VC syllables before advancing through CVC words and into multi-syllable words and expanding sentences. Research indicates that differentiating childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) from other articulatory disorders often relies on observing increased error rates with phonetic complexity and utterance length, particularly when incorporating challenging phonemes such as sibilants or affricates (Yorkston et al., 2010).

Interactive elements in the app include flashcards along with two enjoyable games: a puzzle game that serves as a reward system using flashcards and an animated board game designed to keep children engaged.

Furthermore, the app emphasizes the importance of practice in motor learning. While traditional therapy drills may seem tedious to both children and clinicians alike, this program fosters an environment where sessions can be lively and enjoyable. Success with movement patterns not only enhances motivation but also encourages deeper engagement in therapeutic activities (Yorkston et al., 2010).

References:

• Yorkston, K. M., Beukelman, D. R., Strand, E. A., & Hakel, M. (2010). Management of Motor Speech Disorders in Children and Adults (3rd Edition).

Author: Karin Howard M.A., CCC-SLP

Developed by: Virtual Speech Center, Inc.