Apraxia of Speech in Adults

What Is Apraxia of Speech?

A person with apraxia of speech knows what they want to say, but has difficulty speaking.

When you speak, messages must go from your brain to your mouth. These messages control your muscles and tell them how and when to move to make sounds. When you have apraxia of speech, brain damage causes these messages to get disrupted. You might not be able to move your lips or tongue to speak correctly or at all.

People can have trouble talking for many reasons. They might have other speech or language problems along with apraxia of speech. For example, you may have dysarthria - a speech problem caused by muscle weakness, or aphasia - a language problem that affects how you communicate.

Other types of apraxia can affect voluntary movements that aren’t related to speaking. For example, you may have difficulty doing these things on command:

• moving your tongue
• coughing
• opening and closing your mouth (oral apraxia)
• moving your arms or legs (limb apraxia), which may be treated by a physical therapist or occupational therapist

What Are Signs of Apraxia of Speech?

If you have apraxia, you may:

• have trouble repeating or saying sounds on your own
• accidentally add sounds, leave sounds out, or say sounds the wrong way
• say something the right way one time, but then say it the wrong way another time
• silently move your tongue and lips while you try to make a sound
• speak more slowly than others
• easily say simple, automatic words or phrases—like "Hello" or "How are you?” without much trouble

What Causes Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of speech is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control speech. Types of brain damage that can cause apraxia include:

• stroke
• traumatic brain injury
• dementia
• brain tumors
• other brain diseases

What Does Testing for Apraxia of Speech Look Like?

If you have any sudden changes in speech or communication, call 911. If you have noticed gradual changes to your speech, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to find out if these changes are because of a medical issue.

Your SLP can test your speech and language. These tests will help determine whether you have apraxia or a different problem.

Your SLP will look at how well you can move your mouth, lips, and tongue. They will listen to how your speech sounds in single words, sentences, and conversation. Your SLP will also test how you speak with and understand others.

What Is the Treatment for Apraxia of Speech?

Your SLP will make a plan that fits your needs to help improve your speech and communication with others. They may also help you use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), which allows a person to communicate in ways other than talking. Types of AAC include:

• using gestures
• writing
• pointing to letters or pictures
• using a device like a computer, phone, or tablet

You don’t have to go through treatment alone. Your SLP will work with your family, friends, or care partners to help them support your communication.

Tips for Talking With a Person Who Has Apraxia of Speech

Your family and friends can help make it easier for you to have conversations with them. Your SLP can provide ideas and support. Here are some tips to share with your family and friends.

Ways to help me communicate my thoughts:

1. Give me time.
2. Watch my body language and my gestures.
3. Try not to finish sentences for me.
4. Ask me to draw, write, point, or gesture when I am having trouble communicating.
5. Let me make mistakes. I may not be able to say everything perfectly all the time. The important thing is that I can get my messages across.
6. Let me do things for myself. I may need to try a few times. Help me only when I ask for it.
7. Get rid of distractions (such as the TV or the radio). This may help me communicate better.

Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech

Primary progressive apraxia of speech is a type of apraxia of speech that gets worse as time passes. Treatment for this type of apraxia will change over time. Your SLP will work with you and your family to adjust your plan of care according to your changing needs and to provide support.

To find an SLP in your area, visit ProFind.

Resources

Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement.

• American Stroke Association: Aphasia vs Apraxia
• National Aphasia Association: Apraxia
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders