What is apraxia of speech?
Apraxia of speech is a communication disorder that affects how sounds are produced. Those with apraxia of speech have difficulty producing sounds correctly and consistently due to motor planning difficulties.
Developmental apraxia of speech is present from birth and can cause expressive language delays in children.
What are the symptoms of apraxia of speech?
Those with apraxia have difficulty:
- Placing sounds together to form words
- Maintaining consistency – they may pronounce a word correctly one day and incorrectly the next
- Using the correct inflections of speech, such as when the sound goes up at the end of a sentence when asking a question
- Producing words with more than one syllable
- Communicating effectively through speech
- Chewing or swallowing
How does Therapy Works treat apraxia of speech?
We carefully evaluate each individual patient’s articulation to determine the most effective treatment. While many with acquired apraxia may recover most of their speaking abilities, children will not outgrow their developmental apraxia without help.
No two individuals are alike, which is why we work carefully one-on-one to determine the best way to help. If necessary, we will also help those with apraxia develop new ways to communicate, such as sign language, computer programs or other strategies.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, we would like to help. Please contact us for an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
