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People with apraxia of speech are often unable to say what they want to clearly and efficiently, causing frustrating barriers to communication. Eve Spremullo, MS, CCC-SLP, at Honeycomb Speech Services in Warwick, Rhode Island, has extensive experience helping people with this disorder communicate more effectively. To discover how she can help you, call Honeycomb Speech Services or use the online booking feature to arrange a convenient appointment today.
What is apraxia of speech?
Apraxia of speech is a neurological condition affecting certain brain pathways. These pathways plan the sequence of movements required to speak, so although you know what you want to say, your brain can’t sequence the speech sound movements that produce the correct words.
People with apraxia of speech experience difficulty saying what they mean, so communication can be challenging and frustrating. Some people with apraxia of speech find it difficult to communicate at all by talking, while others might experience milder symptoms like producing atypical sounds or struggling with pronunciation.
Why do some people have apraxia of speech?
Some children have apraxia of speech when they’re born, but brain scans don’t give any clues about the condition’s cause. Their brain structure shows no differences or signs of brain damage.
Childhood or developmental apraxia of speech likely has a genetic cause. Children with apraxia of speech often have relatives with communication difficulties and/or learning disabilities.
Acquired apraxia of speech can develop in adults, usually resulting from damage to areas of the brain controlling speech. It might occur because of a head injury, stroke, or brain tumor, or sometimes alongside other nervous system language problems like aphasia and dysarthria.
People with acquired apraxia of speech sometimes recover, but often, a child doesn't grow out of developmental apraxia of speech without help. Therefore, speech-language therapy benefits children and adults with developmental or persistent acquired apraxia of speech.
How does speech-language therapy help with apraxia of speech?
Treating apraxia of speech has several alternatives, so your Honeycomb Speech Services speech-language therapist designs an individual treatment plan that matches your needs. They can also address other communication issues if you have any.
Both children and adults with apraxia of speech require frequent, intensive one-on-one speech-language therapy sessions. These sessions involve repeated exercises that improve speech abilities.
Some children require years of speech-language therapy to overcome apraxia of speech. In a minority of cases, apraxia of speech is so severe that the patient can’t use verbal language as their chief form of communication.
In these cases, you or your child will likely benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC uses non-verbal methods and technology to help people who can’t speak effectively.
Call Honeycomb Speech Services or book an appointment online today for expert help with apraxia of speech.