Cycles Approach

Implementation of the Cycles Approach:

This approach to therapy uses "cycles" (a defined period of time) to target and treat a specific phonological pattern. Typically, the SLP chooses 3 patterns to target in one cycle. Each pattern is targeted for 60 minutes per phoneme, and you move on to next pattern despite progress. One cycle is the completion of pattern #1, pattern #2, and pattern #3. Therapy is structured to include auditory enhancement, drill practice, metaphonological tasks, and homework.

Clients ideal for this approach to therapy present with the following characteristics:

a moderate-severe phonological disorder
highly unintelligible
between the ages of 2;9-7;0
stimulable for the pattern/sound

Below, you will find a video further detailing the cycles approach.

You know what the Cycles Approach is... now what?

Now that you have learned about the Cycles Approach, what kind of client would benefit from its use, and seen a short demonstration video, you may be thinking... now what?

The goal of the SLP Quick Treatment guide is to help SLPs learn about available approaches they could utilize in their treatment as well as offering a list of therapy resources, research for the approach, and even data collection sheets. Essentially, this is the drawer of our "filing cabinet" that is dedicated to the Cycles Approach - we hope it helps to jumpstart your treatment utilizing this approach!

FREE Resources:

Handouts

Activities

Cluster Reduction and "sn"
"sw" Activity (idea: if using different patterns, just print different stimulus cards!)
Syllable Remediation
Chipper Chat
"st" Activity
Initial /k/ Cards (and Boom cards)
Final /k/ Cards
Carryover Activity

PAID Resources:

Complete Toolkit (target selection guide, data sheets, sample goals, activities, and more! $27)
Cycles Big Bundle (activities, wide range of patterns, data sheets, etc. $43).
Final Consonant Deletion Boom Cards ($7)
Materials Kit ($9.99)
No Prep Materials Bundle ($23)
Boom Cards Bundle (includes many different patterns! $15)
Auditory Bombardment Word List ($4.50)
Backing ($5)
Final Consonant Deletion ($5)
Gliding ($3.50)

Data Collection Sheets:

Research supporting Cycles Approach:

Bauman-Wängler, J. A., Garcia, D., 1967, & eBook Academic Collection - North America. (2020;2018;). Phonological treatment of speech sound disorders in children: A practical guide (1st ed.). Plural Publishing, Inc.
Prezas, R. F., & Hodson, B. W. (2010). The cycles phonological remediation approach. In A. L. Williams, S. McLeod, & R. J. McCauley (Eds.), Interventions for speech sound disorders in children (pp. 137–158). Baltimore, MD: Brookes.
Rudolph, J. M., & Wendt, O. (2014). The efficacy of the cycles approach: A multiple baseline design. Journal of Communication Disorders, 47(Feb), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2013.12.003
Tyler, A. A. (2008). What works: Evidence-based intervention for children with speech sound disorders. Seminars in Speech and Language, 17;29;(4), 320-330. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1103396