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What is Apraxia?
Apraxia of speech (also known as dyspraxia) is a speech disorder in which a person has difficulties putting sounds and syllables together in the correct sequence to form words. Longer or more complex words are usually harder to say than shorter or simpler words. People with apraxia also tend to make inconsistent mistakes. For example, they may say a difficult word correctly but have trouble repeating it; or they may be able to say a sound one day and have trouble with the same sound the next day.
People with apraxia often appear to be groping for the right sound or word and may try saying a word several times before they say it correctly. Some words will be easy to say correctly, especially social phrases such as good morning, I’m O.K., fine dear, hello, thanks or swearing, but deliberate speech is much more difficult. Often, the harder they try to talk, the worse it becomes and increased frustration leads to less success.
Apraxia may occur on its own or with a separate language disorder called ‘aphasia’. Dysphasia can affect the ability to understand language, to read, to write, to find words and construct sentences. Every person with dysphasia will have a different pattern of these difficulties which may be mild or severe (for further information please see the leaflet on dysphasia).
How can it happen?
The exact cause of apraxia is not yet known. Apraxia can happen as a result of a stroke, head injury, brain tumour or other neurological condition (neurological means the nervous system). It is thought that neurological damage affects the brain’s ability to send the proper signals to move and co-ordinate the muscles involved in speech. It is not due to weakness or paralysis of the speech muscles (the muscles of the face, tongue, and lips).
How you can help with communication
- Patients get tired very quickly, which can affect speech. It is important to minimise causes of tiredness and also stress.
- Phrase questions so only yes or no is needed in response.
- Take the emphasis off speech by encouraging the use of pointing, gesture (mime), nodding or shaking the head and facial expression.
- Use of picture charts to make choices from.
- The speech therapist will assess ability to read and write, if the patient is able they can point to words to express choice or write words down to complement use of speech.
- Encourage the practice of some automatic sequences of speech – counting, days of the week, singing.
- Bring in tapes or games to provide a forum for communication without speech being the most important aspect.
- It is important to give the person plenty of time to speak and encouragement.
Sources of information
• Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.uk
• Headway at www.headway.org.uk
• The Brain Charity at www.
• Local self-help groups (ask for more details)
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Speech and language therapy
Reference:
VV/001
Approval date:
20 September 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.