Short Course Description

This course reframes phonological process errors in preschoolers with SSD through a motor-speech lens. Drawing on experimental data and models, we link jaw/lip/tongue control limitations to phonological error patterns such as cluster reduction, stopping, and gliding. Participants learn assessment strategies and motor-informed interventions to target root causes, not just symptoms.

Full Course Description

This continuing-education workshop reframes phonological process errors in preschoolers with SSD through a motor-speech lens. Using data from a randomized trial, we apply newer analytic tools—Mutual Information analysis and Random Forest models (applied machine-learning)—to quantify links between jaw, labial-facial, and lingual control and patterns such as cluster reduction, final consonant deletion, stopping, and gliding. Clinicians will learn practical assessment strategies to detect motor constraints driving “phonological” errors, interpret nuanced findings (e.g., when gliding may be compensatory), and design motor-informed intervention plans that target underlying mechanisms, not just surface symptoms.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain components of speech-motor development.
• Identify three motor-speech factors that can drive common phonological process errors.
• Describe components of a motor-informed assessment.

Agenda

20:30 - 20:35 → Welcome

20:35 - 20:45 → Introduction

20:45 - 21:00 → Overview of speech-motor development

21:00 - 21:15 → Motor-speech factors and phonological process errors

21:15 - 21:30 → Components of a motor-informed assessment

21:30 - 21:35 → Closing remarks

21:35 - 21:45 → Q & A followed by wrap-up of the day

Certificate of Completion Requirements

To receive the certificate of completion and/or ASHA CEUs, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Attend the full duration of the course (attendance will be tracked automatically).
• Complete a test based on the learning outcomes and receive a score of >80%.
• Complete a post-course program evaluation survey.

Deadline: Complete the test and post-evaluation survey by Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 - 11:59 PM EST!

Jennifer Moore, EdD CCC-SLP, PC/I, COM

Dr. Jennifer Moore is a speech-language pathologist who co-owns a multidisciplinary private practice in northern NJ. Dr. Moore has previously held positions in academia, home health, public schools, and pediatric hospitals before creating her integrative center. Dr. Moore is a PROMPT Certified Instructor, certified orofacial myologist (COM) and a subject matter expert in motor speech development and disorders. Her research projects pertain to the sub population of children who present with coexisting motor speech dysfunction and autism as well as various topics in pediatric motor speech disorders. Dr. Moore has been both selected and invited to present on various topics related to her expertise at conferences at the state, national and international levels. She currently offers advanced training to SLPs through her online community, Next Level Motor. Her mission is to lessen the research-to-clinic knowledge gap by creating resources using evidence-based practices for clinical application. 

Aravind Namasivayam, Ph.D., S-LP(C)., Reg. CASLPO

Dr. Aravind Namasivayam is an internationally recognized expert in speech motor control and pediatric speech disorders. He holds a clinical degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with advanced specialization in Neuroscience at the doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Dr. Namasivayam has led several government- and industry-funded randomized clinical trials, driving policy changes and shaping evidence-based care pathways for children. He has authored 53 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and delivered over 80 presentations and workshops at international conferences. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including recognition from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA), Apraxia Kids, and the National Award for Excellence in Applied Research from Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Dr. Namasivayam teaches speech physiology, research methods, and pediatric speech sound disorders at the University of Toronto. In 2018, he founded the Speech Research Centre Inc., dedicated to making evidence-informed practices accessible to clinicians worldwide. He is also the co-founder of Hear2Speak.org, a non-profit organization committed to improving speech-language pathology and audiology services in underserved regions globally.

"The instructors excelled in teaching and had a deep understanding of the subject matter."

"I loved the connection between the research articles and how we can implement the findings into our current clinical practice."

"Fantastic blend of research and real-world clinical applications. "

"I love that the course was 1 hour in the evening! It was concise and filled with valuable, easily applicable informative."