An Introduction to Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment and Its Application in the Italian Language
Ilaria Scarcella, Letizia Michelazzo
This brief article outlines the principles of the ReST (Rapid Syllable Transition) method and presents findings from a pilot study conducted in Italy in 2019. Assessment and intervention in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) are often restricted to speech motor control, which underpins the core deficit in planning and programming of speech sounds. However, evaluation of suprasegmental features, particularly prosody and lexical stress production, is equally essential. The use of nonwords in ReST minimises lexical influences on task performance and reduces the likelihood of repeated incorrect productions. This approach facilitates the development of new, stable, and smooth articulatory movement patterns. The article also describes supports used during the ReST pre-practice phase, including facilitated gestures and visual cues. It then progresses to an intensive practice phase grounded in motor learning principles, using blocked and randomised schedules of non-word repetitions to promote generalisation. The ReST protocol is designed for children with primary CAS who demonstrate sufficient attention and resilience to engage in high-frequency practice (approximately 105 non-word repetitions per session).
Keywords
ReST; Motor-based treatment; Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS); Prosody; Lexical stress.
