Apraxia of speech, also known as verbal dyspraxia, is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak fluently and produce the correct sounds, syllables, and words. It has to do with the parts of the brain responsible for planning and coordinating the movements needed to produce speech, such as the motor cortex and the basal ganglia. Apraxia can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (through injury to the brain.)
Apraxia of speech is not a problem with the muscles or nerves responsible for speech, but rather a difficulty with the brain’s ability to plan and execute the precise movements necessary for clear and fluid speech. Essentially, the signal from the brain to the mouth has been broken or changed. This can result in difficulty producing specific sounds, stringing sounds together to form words, and putting words together to form sentences.
What are the symptoms of apraxia of speech?
Symptoms of apraxia of speech can vary widely and may include:
- Difficulty producing specific sounds, such as “s”, “t”, or “r”
- Difficulty stringing sounds together to form words
- Difficulty putting words together to form sentences
- Struggling to initiate or continue a conversation
- Using incorrect or made-up words
- Speaking in a monotone or with a limited range of pitch and prosody (the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech)
- Struggling to speak in a normal volume or at a normal pace
- Struggling to understand spoken language
- Difficulty making voluntary movements with mouth muscles
Diagnosing can be difficult
Apraxia of speech can be difficult to diagnose, as it can be mistaken for other speech disorders or conditions, such as dysarthria (difficulty controlling the muscles used for speech due to neurological damage) or aphasia (difficulty understanding or producing language due to brain damage). A thorough evaluation by a speech-language pathologist, including a detailed medical history and a speech and language assessment, is usually needed to accurately diagnose apraxia of speech.
The severity of apraxia of speech can vary greatly from person to person. Some people with apraxia of speech may only have mild difficulties with speech, while others may have severe speech impairments that make it difficult for them to communicate effectively. Apraxia of speech can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in young children and may be accompanied by other developmental delays or disorders.
Treatment for Apraxia of Speech
Treatment for apraxia of speech typically involves speech therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist. Speech therapy for apraxia of speech may include techniques such as:
- Articulation therapy: practicing the correct production of specific sounds and syllables
- Prosody therapy: working on the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech
- Cognitive-linguistic therapy: improving language skills, such as word-finding and grammar
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): this may involve the use of devices or techniques to help a person communicate, such as sign language, picture boards, or electronic communication devices
The success of treatment for apraxia of speech can vary widely, and it is important for individuals with apraxia of speech and their families to work closely with a qualified speech-language pathologist to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Research has shown that early intervention is key to the success of treatment for apraxia of speech. Children with apraxia of speech who receive early and intensive speech therapy tend to make more progress than those who do not. However, treatment at any age can be beneficial and can help individuals with apraxia of speech improve their speech and communication skills.
Getting Help
It is important to note that apraxia of speech is not a disease that can be cured, but rather a disorder that can be managed with different techniques. These techniques support individuals in strengthening their speech skills with the intention of reducing the frustrations and stress associated with the challenges of apraxia. Our speech-language pathologists can determine the unique challenges and needs of individuals with apraxia of speech. Click to schedule a free consultation for more information!