Colorado Motor Speech Framework
Colorado Motor Speech Framework
A mechanism-based framework for understanding motor speech disorders
The Colorado Motor Speech Framework (CMSF) is an assessment tool designed to support speech-language pathologists in the evaluation and interpretation of motor speech disorders. Developed by Dr. Allison Hilger and colleagues in the Colorado Motor Speech Lab, the framework organizes motor speech assessment findings around key dimensions of speech motor function and provides a structured approach to clinical reasoning.Ìý
The CMSF Organizes Motor Speech Disorders Around Three Dimensions
| ÌýÌýPlanning | ÌýÌýCoordination | ÌýÌýExecution |
|---|---|---|
| How speech movements are prepared and organized. | How speech subsystems work together. | How motor commands are carried out during speech production. |
Why It Matters
Rather than categorizing disorders solely by diagnosis, the CMSF supports a behaviorally grounded approach to understanding why speech sounds the way it does.
✓ Organize observations
✓ Generate diagnostic hypotheses
✓ Support treatment planning
✓ Connect speech characteristics to underlying mechanisms
Applications for the CMSF:
Supports interpretation of speech characteristics and organization of assessment findings.
Helps clinicians connect observed speech behaviors to underlying motor speech mechanisms.
Assists in identifying meaningful intervention targets and treatment priorities.
Provides a structured framework for teaching and learning about motor speech disorders.
Offers a common language for investigating speech motor behavior and disorder.
Facilitates communication among clinicians, educators, and researchers.
About the CMSF
Origins
The CMSF is based on a reorganization of motor speech assessment guidelines described by Duffy (2020), along with additional supporting literature. The framework serves as a foundation for research, education, and clinical application within the Colorado Motor Speech Lab.
Development
The CMSF is a core contribution of the Colorado Motor Speech Lab and reflects the lab's commitment to clinically meaningful theory and practice. The majority of the work on this project was completed by speech-language pathologists Allison Hilger, PhD, CCC-SLP, Caitlin Cloud, MA, CCC-SLP, and Kylie Dunne-Platero, MS, CCC-SLP.
The online CMSF website was developed by Freddy Linn, allowing clinicians and researchers to access the framework without downloading software.
The Kite Picture featured within the framework was created by Melanie Esver.
Future Directions
The CMSF continues to evolve through research, clinical application, and collaboration. Planned enhancements include:
- A dedicated CMSF mobile application
- Video examples demonstrating framework concepts
- Perceptual training resources for speech-language pathologists
- Additional educational and clinical support materials
The Colorado Motor Speech Lab remains committed to refining and expanding the CMSF to support clinical practice, education, and research in motor speech disorders.