Apraxia 508
Apraxia 508
Apraxia 508
Apraxia of Speech
or making errors in tone, is no single symptom or test that can be used to diagnose
AOS, the person making the diagnosis generally looks for
the presence of several of a group of symptoms, including
stress, or rhythm. those described earlier. Ruling out other conditions, such
as muscle weakness or language production problems
(e.g., aphasia), can help with the diagnostic process.
2
In formal testing for both acquired and childhood AOS, spoken language by stimulating areas of the brain
a speech-language pathologist may ask the patient to involved in language and literacy.
perform speech tasks such as repeating a particular word
several times or repeating a list of words of increasing Some adults and children will make more progress during
length (for example, love, loving, lovingly). For acquired treatment than others. Support and encouragement from
AOS, a speech-language pathologist may also examine family members and friends and extra practice in the
the patient’s ability to converse, read, write, and perform home environment are important.
nonspeech movements. To diagnose childhood AOS,
parents and professionals may need to observe a child’s What research is being done to better
speech over a period of time. understand apraxia of speech?
How is apraxia of speech treated? Researchers are searching for the causes of childhood
AOS, including the possible role of abnormalities in the
In some cases, people with acquired AOS recover some brain or other parts of the nervous system. They are
or all of their speech abilities on their own. This is called also looking for genetic factors that may play a role in
spontaneous recovery. childhood AOS. Other research on childhood AOS aims
to identify more specific criteria and new techniques to
Children with AOS will not outgrow the problem on their diagnose the disorder and to distinguish it from other
own. They also do not acquire the basics of speech just communication disorders.
by being around other children, such as in a classroom.
Therefore, speech-language therapy is necessary for Research on acquired AOS includes studies to pinpoint the
children with AOS as well as for people with acquired specific areas of the brain that are involved in the disorder.
AOS who do not spontaneously recover all of their In addition, researchers are studying the effectiveness
speech abilities. of various treatment approaches for both acquired and
childhood AOS.
Speech-language pathologists use different approaches
to treat AOS, and no single approach has been proven to
be the most effective. Therapy is tailored to the individual
and is designed to treat other speech or language
problems that may occur together with AOS. Frequent, Speech-language therapy
intensive, one-on-one speech-language therapy sessions
are needed for both children and adults with AOS. (The is necessary for children
repetitive exercises and personal attention needed to
improve AOS are difficult to deliver in group therapy.) with apraxia of speech as
Children with severe AOS may need intensive speech-
language therapy for years, in parallel with normal well as for people with
schooling, to obtain adequate speech abilities.
3
Where can I find additional For more information, contact us at:
More NIDCD fact sheets on Voice, Speech, Follow the NIDCD on Twitter at @NIDCD
and Language:
} Aphasia
The NIDCD supports and conducts research and
} Speech and Language Developmental Milestones
research training on the normal and disordered
} Specific Language Impairment processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice,
} Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, speech, and language and provides health information,
Speech, or Language Disorders based upon scientific discovery, to the public.
Apraxia of Speech
NIH Pub. No. 13-7466
September 2016