Understanding Apraxia of Speech: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Apraxia of Speech (AOS), a complex motor planning disorder that affects an individual’s ability to speak.
What is apraxia of speech?
Apraxia of speech is defined as “a motor planning disorder in which a person has the language capacity to talk, but the signals between their brain and mouth muscles aren’t sent correctly.” This disconnect makes the seemingly simple task of speaking clearly “very challenging for people with apraxia,” leading to significant frustration.
Early signs and possible symptoms of apraxia in children under three may include difficulty with feeding, limited babbling or lack of babbling, word heard once or twice and then not again, delayed motor skills, and/or difficulty imitating non-speech motor tasks, such as puckering or smiling
Types of Apraxia of Speech
There are two main types of apraxia of speech:
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): This is when a person is “born with” the condition. CAS is estimated to affect “about one in 1,000 children.”
Acquired Apraxia of Speech: This form “happens later in life after an event like a stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumour, or progressive disease.” Reliable information on the prevalence of acquired apraxia is scarce, partly because it can be difficult to differentiate from other motor difficulties, especially in individuals with multiple diagnoses.
Main Characteristics of Apraxia of Speech
The source highlights several key symptoms and characteristics of AOS:
Inconsistent Errors in Speech: Individuals with apraxia may “pronounce the same word differently each time they say it.” They might say a difficult word correctly one day but struggle to repeat it soon after.
Distorting Sounds: Due to improper mouth muscle movement, “sounds often come out incorrectly.” Vowel pronunciation is particularly challenging, as are “longer and more complex words.”
Groping for Sounds: When attempting to speak, individuals “can appear like they’re groping and making odd movements with their mouth.” They may need to try saying a word multiple times before achieving it correctly.
Difficulty with Intonation and Rhythm of Speech: Apraxia can affect the natural flow of speech. People may “speak in a monotone, omit syllables and words and phrases, or pause inappropriately while speaking.”
Difficulty with Volitional Movements: Initiating spontaneous speech, such as “asking a question or making a comment,” can be tough. In contrast, “automatic speech may be easier, such as counting or saying the alphabet.” For instance, someone might easily answer “What’s your name?” but struggle to repeat their name on command.
Discrepancy Between Speech and Non-Speech Movements: Individuals with apraxia may find it easier to perform non-speech mouth movements (e.g., touching their tongue to their top lip) than the precise movements required for specific speech sounds.
Impact and Treatment
Communication is “a vital skill for everyone,” enabling individuals to “convey our thoughts and needs” and “connect and form relationships with others.” The challenges posed by apraxia can therefore significantly impact a person’s life.
Fortunately, “effective speech therapy treatment is available for apraxia.” However, it’s important to note that “a speech therapist isn’t always able to predict how much progress a person will make.” The symptoms and the course of treatment, progress, and results “can differ from person to person.”
Techniques such as PROMPT, ReST, and DTTC are effective in helping children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) develop their speech skills. We utilize a variety of cueing modalities to elicit speech production, tailoring our approach to each child’s unique skill level and needs.
How Apraxia Affects Daily Life
Speech is essential for expressing thoughts, building relationships, and participating in social settings. The challenges of apraxia can impact:
- Academic performance
- Social development
- Self-esteem and emotional well-being
- Everyday communication
Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving long-term outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Apraxia of speech is a “complex disorder, and many people don’t understand it well.” This briefing underscores the importance of education and support for individuals living with this condition. The information presented aims to foster a better understanding of apraxia, its varied manifestations, and the available therapeutic approaches, while acknowledging the individual nature of its impact and progress.
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Lifeway Rehabilitation Centre specializes in pediatric speech therapy, including treatment for apraxia of speech. Our expert team offers evidence-based therapy plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.
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