Apraxia…What is it and WHY does it matter?

As a speech pathologist treating kiddos and adults, sometimes words that are spoken just don’t make sense.  This may be a result of Apraxia – a motor disorder affecting the nervous system.   

A child may be seen having trouble placing his lips together to begin speaking.  Or, maybe he/she pauses and appears as if he/she is groping for sounds.  Difficulty imitating an adult’s speech may also be a sign of Childhood Apraxia. 

An adult may demonstrate a very SLOWWWW rate of speech and have difficulty imitating non-speech movements such as sticking out their tongue.   

Children & Adults can also show signs of apraxia affecting their gross and fine motor movements.  Sometimes walking while swinging their arms in a pattern increases fall risk.  Sometimes coordinating muscle movements to zip a coat, brush their teeth, or put on socks is affected.  Regardless of the activity, sequencing motor movements is EXTREMELY important as it affects how our body parts communicate to each other.   

WHY does it matter?  Regardless of the age of my patients, I have to take into consideration “IS THIS APRAXIA” and is it affecting other parts of their daily lives?  Speech pathology intervention can address sequencing of motor movements to improve speech sounds and word formations.  If a referral to physical or occupational therapy is necessary, I will make the referral.  However, if apraxia is not assessed and addressed, speech, language and voice function will likely NOT improve.  A strong clinician will not only make the diagnosis, but also help find strategies to move beyond it.   

Apraxia does matter.  At all levels: mild to severe!  If traditional speech and voice therapy intervention is NOT working, ask your clinician: Could this be a form of Apraxia?