What Is Apraxia of Speech?
Neurological Motor Speech Disorder-not just speech
Apraxia occurs when there is a neural inefficiency disrupting the pathways that carry messages from the brain to the mouth muscles. The brain knows what it wants to say but cannot properly coordinate the movements needed to produce the sounds.
It can effect the ability to modulate volume, tone and voicing (the ability to turn the voice o
Apraxia occurs when there is a neural inefficiency disrupting the pathways that carry messages from the brain to the mouth muscles. The brain knows what it wants to say but cannot properly coordinate the movements needed to produce the sounds.
It can effect the ability to modulate volume, tone and voicing (the ability to turn the voice on and off)
The issue lies in planning and sequencing the precise movements needed for speech. Apraxia affects motor planning of speech, not language understanding, intelligence, or muscle strength. https://speechapraxia.co.uk/about-sauk/f/from-brain-to-mouth-understanding-speech-motor-planning?
When Speech Apraxia Affects Tone, Volume, and Voicing
Can you have both Childhood and acquired apraxia of speech?
What Causes Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
New Zealand Health Board information
Screeing for speech apraxia
FREE Childhood Apraxia of Speech Screener by SLP Olga Komadina (One of our Friends of Speech Apraxia (pictured)
Informal Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Screener (OKAT) | Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy
The articulatory basis of phonological error patterns in childhood speech sound disorders
FREE Childhood Apraxia of Speech Screener by SLP Olga Komadina (One of our Friends of Speech Apraxia (pictured)
Informal Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Screener (OKAT) | Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy
The articulatory basis of phonological error patterns in childhood speech sound disorders
www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2025.1635096/full
Recording and analysing speech
https://www.seeingspeech.ac.uk/ipa-charts/?chart=3
These resources include video and audio recordings of individual sound segments produced by a male and a female speaker.
https://teaching.ncl.ac.uk/ipa/consonants-pulmonic.html
A very useful website that allows you to type in phonetic symbols.
https://www.seeingspeech.ac.uk/ipa-charts/?chart=3
These resources include video and audio recordings of individual sound segments produced by a male and a female speaker.
https://teaching.ncl.ac.uk/ipa/consonants-pulmonic.html
A very useful website that allows you to type in phonetic symbols.
IPA Online from Newcastle University, UK
STAR Speech Therapy Animation and Imaging Resource
Supporting and Understanding Speech Sound Disorder (SuSSD)
Working with Childhood Apraxia of Speech-Highly recommended
This resource will lead the reader through the practicalities of assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention for children of all ages with features of childhood apraxia of speech. It provides the theory and underlying principles upon which to work with children who have this fascinating but challenging disorder in collaboration with families and schools.
Different from Other Speech Disorders
Unlike aphasia (language difficulty) or dysarthria (muscle weakness affecting speech), apraxia specifically impacts the brain's ability to coordinate the complex movements required for accurate speech production.
How to get a diagnosis for Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Can artificial intelligence help diagnose speech disorders?
Unlike aphasia (language difficulty) or dysarthria (muscle weakness affecting speech), apraxia specifically impacts the brain's ability to coordinate the complex movements required for accurate speech production.
How to get a diagnosis for Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Can artificial intelligence help diagnose speech disorders?
Do We Really Know Apraxia of Speech?
Are All Types of Apraxia of Speech the Same? Not Quite!
Panel 2: SSD and CAS – How should motor planning disorders be classified in children?
Expert opinion
Professor Emeritus Anita Van de Merwe who specialises in speech apraxia at Pretoria University, writes for Speech Apraxia UK-Apraxia of speech is a disturbance of the voluntary control of speech movements. It may occur in children as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) or as acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) due to acquired damage of the are
Professor Emeritus Anita Van de Merwe who specialises in speech apraxia at Pretoria University, writes for Speech Apraxia UK-Apraxia of speech is a disturbance of the voluntary control of speech movements. It may occur in children as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) or as acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) due to acquired damage of the areas in the brain responsible for motor planning. Both these conditions should be differentiated from a language disorder such as aphasia, and from dysarthria, which is a disorder of lower levels of motor control. Speech apraxia is a disorder in planning the place and manner of articulation of speech sounds.
SLT/SLP resources for speech sound disorders
SLT/SLP resources for speech sound disorders
Child Speech Disorder Research Network – resources
IALP panel with webinars related to terminology for SSD in relation to overlap with DLD
IALP panel with webinars related to How motor planning disorders in children should be classified
IALP panel with webinars and documents related to SSD in cleft palate
Child Speech Disorder Research Network – resources
IALP panel with webinars related to terminology for SSD in relation to overlap with DLD
IALP panel with webinars related to How motor planning disorders in children should be classified
IALP panel with webinars and documents related to SSD in cleft palate
All Products | Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy
Speech Errors
SLT/SLP resources for speech sound disorders
Speech errors vary inconsistently—Sometimes pronouncing a word correctly, then struggling with the same word moments later. This inconsistency is a hallmark feature that helps distinguish apraxia from other disorders.
Sound distortions
Difficulty pronouncing words correctly, with sounds or syllables being distorted, substituted, or omitted
Speech errors vary inconsistently—Sometimes pronouncing a word correctly, then struggling with the same word moments later. This inconsistency is a hallmark feature that helps distinguish apraxia from other disorders.
Sound distortions
Difficulty pronouncing words correctly, with sounds or syllables being distorted, substituted, or omitted entirely. The person may struggle particularly with starting words or connecting sounds together.
Sounds Appealing
Pronunciation is integral to communication and is tailored to meet the demands of the two main forces behind language: intelligibility and identity.
This book by David Crystal tells us exactly why, and how, we pronounce words as we do.
Prosody
Speech often sounds robotic with abnormal rhythm, stress patterns, and intonation. The person may speak very slowly with unusual pauses between syllables or words as they mentally plan each sound sequence.
People with speech apraxia use frozen forms- what does this mean?
Phonological awareness
Speech apraxia especially developmental, can affect the ability to detect parts of speech or 'phonemes.' It can affect reading, writing, and spelling.
About the NIPA | Newcastle Phonological Awareness | Newcastle University includes assessment and intervention suitable for all children but specifically for children with SLCN. This interv
Speech apraxia especially developmental, can affect the ability to detect parts of speech or 'phonemes.' It can affect reading, writing, and spelling.
About the NIPA | Newcastle Phonological Awareness | Newcastle University includes assessment and intervention suitable for all children but specifically for children with SLCN. This intervention provides adaptable session plans for SLTs.
Phonetic and Phonological Systems Analysis (PPSA)
Phonological Awareness Resources by Gillon, A Better start to Reading and for preschool children with SSD.
APAR - Assessment of Phonological Awareness and Reading - Home page
Phonological awareness resource
Lancaster, Gwen. (2008). Phoneme factory: developing speech and language skills: a resource book for teachers, teaching assistants, and speech and language therapists. Routledge.
Childhood Apraxia Speech-Developmental dyspraxia of speech
Various names-same disorder
Various names-same disorder
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)– US, UK
Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia(DVD) - UK
Previously Apraxia of Speech (AOS),
Dyspraxia of Speech,
Other terms
- Isolated developmental verbal dyspraxia (DAS)
- Pure childhood apraxia of speech
- Speech-language disorder type 1
- Speech and language disorder with orofacial dyspraxia
- Isolated CAS
- Pure CAS
Why Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Consistency & insurance purposes
RCSLT-Childhood-Apraxia-of-Speech-CAS-Position-Paper-2024.pdf
How common is it?
Various names-same disorder
Prevalence: 0.1-0.2% of all children with a speech sound disorder
The causes of childhood apraxia of speech are possibly genetic but not well understood
MRI scans have not been successful in identifying brain damage/differences in children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Male to female ratio is 2-3:1
What Causes Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
Differentiating CAS and inconsistent phonological disorder
What is it
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological speech disorder that affects a person's ability to plan and produce the movements needed for clear speech. It is not caused by muscle weakness or paralysis. Individuals with CAS often struggle to consistently move their lips, tongue, and jaw into the correct positions for speech and have difficulty smoothly transitioning between sounds. They may also find it hard to sequence sounds into words.
Apraxia of Speech Series – Part Two: childood apraxia of speech
Resources for early talking
Vowel distortions
Vowel distortions are a hallmark of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and can greatly reduce intelligibility. Unlike consonants, vowels are harder to “see” and require subtle tongue and jaw changes, making them particularly difficult for children with CAS. Errors may include distortions, substitutions, or reducing diphthongs (two-part vowels, e.g., /ai/ in eye). Many children shorten diphthongs to a single sound or confuse vowels with similar jaw positions, such as producing bed as bad.
Vowel Errors in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Missed or Misunderstood: Why Childhood Apraxia Goes Unnoticed
How to get a diagnosis
Diagnosis can be tricky, lengthy and relies on having access to practitioners skilled in speech apraxia.
What's in a Name? Panel 1: SSD and DLD – Where do they overlap and where do they separate?
Identifying and Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs
CAS part of additional diagnosis
CAS may be on it's own or secondary to other diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder.
This recommended book focuses on the co-occurrence of Autism and Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Adults with CAS-SLT/SLP referrals
Therapy can be very useful as an adult and tends to be led by your needs. For example, you may seek functional help speaking at meetings or pacing speech to avoid misarticulation.
You have the same right to speech and language services as children and in the NHS can self-refer to provision.
Professionals involved
CAS can only be diagnosed by a qualified speech and language professional.
Other professionals
Family doctor-makes referrals to speech and language services
Pediatricians screen for and diagnoses other conditions
Geneticist may be involved if there is a genetic component.
Occupational therapist may be involved in therapy
Audiologist- children with speech sound disorders are typically screened for hearing
Barbara Dodd (2005)
Paediatric speech and language therapists are challenged by diminished resources and increasingly complex caseloads. The new edition addresses their concerns. Norms for speech development are given, differentiating between the emergence of the ability to produce speech sounds (articulation) and typical developmental error patterns (phonology).
Talking with a child who has apraxia of speech
How you and other people respond to your child's communication is important. It will shape your child’s confidence and how they see themselves as a communicator.
It's natural to feel worried at first, but if you seem anxious, your child may also pick up on this. Try to stay calm and positive, even if you're feeling unsure inside.
Here are some things you can do. They may not seem like big changes, but they can make a huge difference by reducing pressure and supporting your child’s communication:
Slow down your own rate of speech and use longer pauses. This helps keep the conversation relaxed and gives your child time to process and answer.
Have regular one-to-one time with your child, even for just five minutes. Choose a time when they don’t have to compete with other people or tasks for your attention.
Ask one question at a time and allow extra time for responses. Show them that you follow their speech but are not putting pressure on them.
Allow the child to point/gesture as a valid form of communication, Try not to insist that everything must be spoken.
Don’t keep correcting their speech. While it may feel supportive, it can be frustrating if you guess wrong.
Keep natural eye contact. Show interest in what they’re saying, not how clearly the words come out.
Focus on the message, not the mistakes. Listen to what your child is telling you, rather than how they pronounce it.
If it feels right, gently acknowledge when talking is tricky. Encourage and reassure them, for example: “Talking can be hard to practise, but you’re doing really well and I love hearing what you have to say.”
Make sure everyone gets a turn to speak. Give your child equal opportunities to share their ideas.
Avoid telling them to “say it properly,” “slow down,” or “try harder.” Instead, praise the ideas and what they are saying.
Interventions for Speech Sound Disorders in Children, Lynn Williams (2020)
An essential building block of every speech-language pathologist’s professional preparation, the second edition of this bestselling textbook is a comprehensive critical analysis of 21 interventions for highly prevalent speech sound disorders in children.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Speech development
CAS Diagnosis Isn’t Always Clear-Cut: Why Some Children Go Undiagnosed
CAS Diagnosis Isn’t Always Clear-Cut: Why Some Children Go Undiagnosed
What speech sounds should my child be using? (The article uses verbal dyspraxia which is now childhood apraxia of speech)
Apraxia of Speech: Disability or Difference?
Portuguese Resources on Speech Apraxia
APRAXIA DE FALA NA INFÂNCIA - O ATO DE FALAR É SURPREENDENTE - YouTube
Procurando por alguns recursos em português sobre Apraxia da Fala na Infância, experimente o cana
www.youtube.com/@apraxiadefalanainfancia
CAS Diagnosis Isn’t Always Clear-Cut: Why Some Children Go Undiagnosed
CAS Diagnosis Isn’t Always Clear-Cut: Why Some Children Go Undiagnosed
CAS Diagnosis Isn’t Always Clear-Cut: Why Some Children Go Undiagnosed
Some people may go undiagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) due to the circumstances of their evaluation or because their difficulties resemble CAS but do not meet the diagnostic threshold. This group may include children who are too young to participate fully in assessment, those with additional challenges such as cognitive impairment or hearing loss, or those who present with some but not all of the features required by a clinician to confirm CAS. Research often cited as evidence of over-diagnosis may alternatively point to a continuum of speech motor planning difficulties that still warrant clinical attention.
When CAS-like Features Point to Motor Planning Challenges
Looking Beyond Phonology: Motor Planning Strategies for Children with Speech Difficulties
Looking Beyond Phonology: Motor Planning Strategies for Children with Speech Difficulties
In such cases, the presenting features mirror those of CAS but are fewer in number. Examples include:
- restricted and stable phonetic repertoires over time
- atypical prosody, such as uniform pitch, loudness, and duration across syllables in multisyllabic words
- vowel errors
- difficulty generalising accurate productions from simple syllable shapes (e.g., CV) to more complex ones (e.g., CCVC, CVCVC).
Limited progress with phonological approaches (e.g., Cycles, minimal pairs) may also indicate the need to consider motor planning factors in therapy.
Looking Beyond Phonology: Motor Planning Strategies for Children with Speech Difficulties
Looking Beyond Phonology: Motor Planning Strategies for Children with Speech Difficulties
Looking Beyond Phonology: Motor Planning Strategies for Children with Speech Difficulties
Treatment strategies informed by motor learning principles—commonly applied in CAS intervention—can be adapted to support these children. Key strategies include:
- increasing practice opportunities, both through more frequent sessions and a higher number of productions per session
- using facilitators such as slowed rate, tactile cues, or visual prompts to support accuracy
- regularly employing assessment probes to ensure that gains are stable and generalisable rather than short-lived.
By applying these strategies, clinicians can address speech motor planning difficulties in young children—even when a formal CAS diagnosis is not given.
Questions and answers
Can CAS still affect me as an adult?
While many improve with therapy, some adults continue to experience residual speech challenges, like difficulty with articulation, rhythm, or confidence when speaking. Does CAS get better on its own?
What are the signs?
You might notice inconsistent speech errors, effortful or slowed speech, challenges with multi-syllabic words, or anxiety about speaking in social settings. These issues can fluctuate depending on fatigue, stress, or environment.
Can My Speech Still Improve?
Absolutely. While progress may be slower than in childhood, speech therapy with a specialist who understands motor speech disorders can help refine and improve fluency, and build confidence. Approaches may include motor-based therapy, prosody training, and assistive tools. Either go via the NHS or use ASLTIP for a private speech and language therapist in your area Find a speech therapist - ASLTIP and look here for adult therapy approaches
I get nervous about how people perceive my speech;what can I say?
You can keep it simple and honest: “I have a speech motor disorder that makes some words come out differently, but I’m working on it.” People often appreciate the clarity, and it can reduce pressure during conversations. You may get questions like "where are you from?" as others try to place your accent. Apraxia of speech can sometimes distort what we say, so they are just being curious.
Are there practical ways to manage speaking challenges in work or life?
Yes. You might try pacing strategies (like pausing between phrases), rehearsing key phrases ahead of time, using supportive tech (e.g. text-to-speech apps), or practicing public speaking in safe environments. Confidence often grows with preparation and support. See our 'Information sources for study and employment'
Who’s to say what ‘normal’ is? I personally really dislike the word ‘normal.’ Everyone is ‘different’ in some way or another.
Mikey Akers
Acquired Apraxia of Speech (AOS)
How do I get it
Why does it occur
People are not born with AOS.
Although a stroke is commonly the cause, this is not always the case. AOS occurs suddenly usually after a stroke, head injury, or neurological illness
Stroke Can Happen at Any Age — Let’s Not Take Speech for Granted
Why does it occur
Why does it occur
CogNeuroApp—explains where breakdown can occur in processing
Aphasia & Apraxia of Speech: Different Challenges,Shared Journeys
Neural Basis of Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Support
Organisations that support the health event can have great information, such as the Stroke Association, which has loads of helpful resources. Types of communication problems | Stroke Association
Alternative and Assistive communication (AAC) can help
Use of alternative, assistive communication can help recovery of communication after a stroke. There are loads of resources for FREE on-line or some you can buy pre-made.
This one is ideal with its extra-large size and picture structure, making it ideal for communication issues.
Aphasia, dysarthia or apraxia of speech?
Aphasia can affect both receptive and expressive language, not just comprehension.There can be overlap in symptoms among acquired conditions, which complicates diagnosis and treatment planning.
Dysarthia effects muscle coordination or movement and may lead to symptoms like slurred speech.
But all can occur together after a stroke or other neurological event.
Ask the Expert Webinars - National Aphasia Association
Severity ranges
Some people experience subtle prosodic disturbances (e.g. rhythm or speed of speech) that might go unnoticed by unfamiliar listeners.
Others have severe forms, struggling to produce any intelligible speech and may use AAC instead.
Acquired Apraxia of Speech: A Treatment Overview | The ASHA Leader Archive
Therapy apps and focus
Therapy focuses on improving speech clarity, coordination, and confidence.
Exercises may include sound repetition, syllable practice, and structured word-building.
Visual cues, gesture support, and written prompts can help speech planning.
Sessions are personalised to suit your goals, abilities, and communication style
Therapy apps such as Cuespeak can be really effective.
Speech Apraxia UK undertook an impartial review of this excellent product.
Common signs
Sounds may come out in the wrong order, even after several attempts.
The person often knows it’s wrong but can’t fix it (e.g., saying hos-ti-pal).
Some words may be spoken clearly, while others are much harder.
Speech errors can vary from one attempt to the next, with hesitations or struggles to shape the word.
Automatic speech (like days of the week) may be easier than creating new sentences.
Frequently co-occurring condition—Aphasia
Acquired apraxia of speech resources
ASHA evidence map for apraxia of speech
Conversations with aphasia learning resource
Communication partner training for carers
Microsoft Word - Communication Partner Training Handout.docx
Acquired apraxia of speech article in RCLST bulletin
Relearning communication
Aphasia & Apraxia Recovery and Healing
It is important to see a registered speech and language therapist /pathologist to get an adequate assessment. Some people also find doing excersises helpful. Books like these are not a substitute for speech and language therapy but can start to rebuild confidence.
Aphasia & Apraxia Recovery and Healing
Aphasia & Apraxia Recovery and Healing
The Aphasia & Apraxia Recovery and Healing Workbook is a practical, supportive tool designed to help individuals improve communication skills and rebuild confidence after a stroke or brain injury.
Acquired apraxia of speech after a stroke
Stroke and Brain Damage
Common Communication Problems
Language and Motor Planning
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, causing damage to brain cells. Speech apraxia happens when the areas of the brain responsible for planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech are affected. This means that even though the muscles may work properly, the brain struggles to send the correct instructions.
Language and Motor Planning
Common Communication Problems
Language and Motor Planning
Speaking involves several brain regions working together. The brain must not only understand language but also plan and sequence the movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw. When a stroke disrupts these motor planning areas, a person may know what they want to say but cannot get the words out clearly or consistently.
Common Communication Problems
Common Communication Problems
Around two-thirds of people experience communication difficulties after a stroke. For some, this includes apraxia of speech, where words come out jumbled, effortful, or inconsistent.This can be particularly frustrating, as people often remain aware of what they want to say but cannot produce it smoothly.
Individual Variation
The impact of a stroke on communication depends on its size and location in the brain. Not everyone who has a stroke will develop apraxia of speech, but if the left hemisphere motor speech areas are affected, the likelihood is higher. Each person’s recovery journey will be unique.
Fluctuating Abilities
Apraxia of speech after stroke can vary from day to day. Tiredness, low mood, or noisy environments may make it harder for someone to speak clearly. A person may have moments of fluent speech but struggle the next moment, which can be confusing for both the speaker and their conversation partners.
The Role of Support and Therapy
With the right therapy and support, communication can improve after a stroke. Speech and language therapy focuses on rebuilding speech motor planning skills, while encouragement from family and friends helps maintain confidence. Supportive environments make a significant difference in daily communication success.
Advice for friends and family
Had A Stroke? Now What? Hospital to Rehabilitation and Beyond (2020) Tom Balchin
Advice for friends and family
It can be hard to support a loved one.
Here is some advice.
Get involved.
Work together
Be patient.
Encourage independence – Make time.
Look after yourself.
There are loads of resources which may help such as this book.
Helpful products
Had A Stroke? Now What? Hospital to Rehabilitation and Beyond (2020) Tom Balchin
Advice for friends and family
Diagnosis may be difficult (at least initially) if speech is minimal. However during the early stages communication aids can be very useful.
Talking devices such as those by Talking Products can be helpful after a stroke.
Tools such as paper-based communication and apps can help with diagnosis.
Had A Stroke? Now What? Hospital to Rehabilitation and Beyond (2020) Tom Balchin
Had A Stroke? Now What? Hospital to Rehabilitation and Beyond (2020) Tom Balchin
Had A Stroke? Now What? Hospital to Rehabilitation and Beyond (2020) Tom Balchin
Here you will find out how to cope with stroke, and recover from it optimally. Taking you through the full process; from arriving at hospital onward. this book reveals a battle-plan of how to rehabilitate effectively and self-manage at home over the long term in a relatively cost-free way
Primary Progessive Apraxia of speech
What is it?
Primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) is a rare form of apraxia in the absence of dementia. . Delayed progressive apraxia of speech is a rare presentation where motor speech difficulties develop later in the disease, without signs of language loss
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) - National Aphasia Association
Delayed Progressive Apraxia of Speech:A Distinct Clinical Subtype
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech Understanding Delayed Progressive Apraxia of Speech
How common is it?
More commonly diagnosed in people aged 50–70. No study has yet looked into its prevalence. However, it can be estimated at 4.4 per 100,000 (Botha, H., & Josephs, K. A., 2019).
Studies suggest that PPAOS may account for about 20–30% of cases initially diagnosed as primary progressive aphasia (PPA) when speech motor impairments are the dominant symptom.
Due to overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases, the condition is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in early stages.
Apraxia of Speech with Primary Progressive Aphasia
Corticobasal syndrome and speech apraxia
What are the symtoms
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) can present in different ways, each affecting how your speech sounds.
Prosodic AOS
- Speech is slow and uneven.
- Words or syllables may be stretched or broken apart
- The rhythm can sound unnatural or robotic.
Phonetic AOS
- Speech sounds may be unclear or slightly distorted.
- You might visibly work to find the right mouth position for certain sounds.
Most people with PPAOS experience Prosodic AOS as their main difficulty, but Phonetic AOS can also be present. Many have a combination of both patterns.
Chris Kamara's Experience
Chris Kamara says he "suffered in silence" with speech problems for almost two years before he was diagnosed with a thyroid problem. ttps://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2022-12-13/kamara-suffering-with-balance-issues-and-weakness-due-to-thyroid-issue
Speaking to ITV News ahead of a documentary about his condition, Kamara – known to millions by his nickname "Kammy" said he wanted his experience to be a warning to other people.
He said: "Initially I was in denial. I'm a dinosaur. I suffered in silence for about 20 months and in that time my thyroid gland became virtually non-existent , so that could be the reason for all my problems along the line, by just not going to see a doctor.
"Now not only have I got an underactive thyroid, the apraxia of speech has come on, my balance is no good, I'm really weak."
Chris is a former Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Bradford City player, from Middlesbrough,. (ITVX, 2025) Chris Kamara: Lost for Words - ITVX
Symptoms
Educational resources for support with diagnosis from Rare Dementia Support (UK Based)
Together we learn – Rare Dementia Support .
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
USA based-Call 866-507-7222 or send an email to info@theaftd.org for answers to your Frontemporal dementia questions
Diagnostic checklist- FTD-ALS
FTD-ALS - English - Diagnostic Checklist
Diagnostic checklist Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
Diagnostic checklist Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Degeneration (bvFTD)
Diagnostic Checklist- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Symptoms
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) is characterized by a gradual decline in motor speech planning and programming, leading to a range of speech impairments.
Possible genetic link
A positive family history for neurodegenerative disease is found in 25% of patients diagnosed with PPAOS (Duffy, J. R., Utianski, R. L., & Josephs, K. A., 2020)
Symptoms of Primary Progressive Apraxia
Speech Rate and Segmentation
Sound Errors and Utterance Complexity
Sound Errors and Utterance Complexity
Individuals with PPAOS often exhibit a slow speech rate and lengthened intersegment durations, with syllable segmentation occurring both within multisyllabic words and across phrases.
People with PPAOS tend to speak slowly, with noticeable pauses between syllables and words. This segmentation affects both long words and phrases, making their speech sound choppy or disjointed.
Sound Errors and Utterance Complexity
Sound Errors and Utterance Complexity
Sound Errors and Utterance Complexity
Sound distortions, distorted substitutions, and additions become more prominent with increasing utterance complexity or length.
As sentences become longer or more complex, speech errors increase. These may include slurred or imprecise sounds, incorrect substitutions, or adding extra sounds. This reflects the growing difficulty the brain has with organizing motor plans for complex speech.
Struggle Behaviours
Speech Motor Tasks (SMRs vs AMRs)
Speech Motor Tasks (SMRs vs AMRs)
Articulatory groping, false starts, and audible or visible effort are common, reflecting the struggle to initiate or sequence movements.
Visible signs of struggle, like repeated attempts to form words (groping), hesitations, and exaggerated effort indicate the person's difficulty in starting or sequencing the precise motor movements needed for speech.
Speech Motor Tasks (SMRs vs AMRs)
Speech Motor Tasks (SMRs vs AMRs)
Speech Motor Tasks (SMRs vs AMRs)
Speech motor tasks such as Sequential Motion Rates (SMRs) are typically deliberate, slow, and segmented, with distorted productions compared to Alternating Motion Rates (AMRs), which also often show inaccuracy in place or manner.
When asked to repeat sequences like “pa-ta-ka” (SMR), individuals perform slowly and with errors, showing how hard it is to shift between movements. Even simpler tasks like repeating “pa-pa-pa” (AMR) show mistakes, though typically less complex than SMRs. Both reveal underlying motor planning deficits