Apraxia of Speech (AOS) is a neurological motor speech inefficiency that affects a person's ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. It may be acquired after brain injury or stroke, or appear in childhood as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). In some cases, it progresses gradually over time, known as Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS).
We’re here to support adults living with apraxia of speech by providing information, practical strategies, the latest research, and a community of understanding. Whether you're newly diagnosed, have grown up with it, or looking for resources as a professional, we’re here to help
The Apraxia Kids National Conference is the only major conference on the speech, language, learning, and life needs of children with apraxia. The National Conference brings together parents, professionals, researchers, and others who are seeking the most up-to-date and in-depth learning opportunities available.
Neuroscience News discusses a novel PET imaging study that has identified unique patterns of neuroinflammation in patients with progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS), a rare disorder that impairs the brain’s ability to plan speech. Using TSPO PET scans, researchers found elevated inflammation in brain regions involved in movement and speech, particularly in patients who also showed signs of Parkinson-plus syndromes.
The findings link brain inflammation to tau pathology and disease severity, suggesting inflammation could serve as an early biomarker for PAOS progression.(June 24, 2025).
Fantastic resource released by the British Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists outlining main symptoms and discussing treatments
I was born with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and am also nearly finished training to be a speech and language therapist. Growing up, I had extensive speech and language therapy for many years and became very aware of the challenges and frustrations that came with living with it.
However for me it was seeing the difficulties of others communicating that really inspired me to train to be a speech and language therapist. But even as I trained, I continued to face difficulties. There is so little awareness of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia) amongst professionals. It is a rare disorder. Other forms of speech apraxia like verbal dyspraxia after a stroke or progressive verbal dyspraxia also hardly get a mention. This is why I set this up.
This website is built from that lived experience. It’s packed with resources, ideas, and support, things I wish I had access to earlier. Whether you're an adult with CAS, a person who has developed speech apraxia later on, or someone just interested in the disorder, I hope you find it useful. Don't forget to drop me a line and tell me what you think!
The proposals set out in Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, primarily concern Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Should the proposals go through, eligibility for the ‘daily living’ component of PIP will be reduced, meaning that fewer people with speech, language and communication needs, including those with speech apraxia, will receive it in the future.
People with speech disorders have a fundamental right to receive the help, support, and understanding they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. But these latest proposals threaten to strip away this right, with an estimated £5bn in cuts that will inevitably push some of the most vulnerable members of society into even greater hardship.
We welcome the ending of the Work Capability Assessment, which has systematically failed those with speech, language and communication needs however, concerns remain about the use of the PIP assessment process (subject to review) for the health element of Universal Credit.
What Speech Apraxia UK has advocated for
In our response, we strongly advocate for fairer PIP assessments for adults with speech, language, and communication needs. We argue these assessments must be undertaken by benefits assessors who have been trained in understanding the hidden, complex, and fluctuating nature of these disorders, ideally with speech and language therapy expertise. This would help assessors understand how these impacts can make it difficult or impossible both to find and maintain work.
We also outlined the benefits of commissioning communication advocates to explain needs to prospective employers and to champion appropriate support and reasonable adjustments in the workplace. This would help ensure people with speech, language and communication needs are not faced with the burden of advocating for themselves in systems that often ignore or minimise their challenges.
"When your voice doesn’t come easily, everything else takes more effort: communicating, working proving your need for support. It’s not just speech; it’s about being heard." Speak My Way founder
These proposed changes come at a time when society is beginning to move toward a more neuro-affirming and inclusive model. We must not allow policy to regress. Cutting vital support undermines the progress being made in workplaces, universities, and communities to value speech and communication differences rather than treat them as deficits. Everyone deserves the chance to participate fully, being seen, heard, and supported is a basic human right, not a privilege
Being a speech therapist with Apraxia of Speech. That’s what I put into Google. That’s what I searched for on websites like RCSLT and ASHA. That’s what I typed into Facebook groups and forums. I wanted to know: Can you become a Speech and Language Therapist if your own speech isn’t “perfect”? There was nothing anywhere I searched; it seemed there were not many adults with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), a motor speech disorder that shaped the way I spoke, who were in the profession. I have grown up with CAS but it was my passion for communication, for language, and for helping others find mytheir voice that really drove me.
It has been something of a lifelong pursuit and 25 years ago, I had decided to apply to traine as a Speech and Language Therapist. Having done a 'fun filled' assessment day, the tutor pulled me aside and said
“I’m sorry. You can’t come on the course because of your speech.”
Just like that. A door closed. And yes, it knocked my confidence. I was frustrated. I thought, surely we need therapists who understand what it’s like to live with a speech disorder? We can’t expect everyone in the profession to sound the same.
So I gave it time. I reflected. I worked in another area for a while. But that spark never left.
And then I tried again.
I asked myself, What’s the worst that could happen? A few hours of my time? A bit of pride?
And guess what?
I got in. I am now nearly qualified in this fascinating field. So if you have apraxia of speech, stammer, or have anything else that makes your speech different, go on and apply if this is the profession for you. We need more of us leading the speech, language, and communication therapy of the future! Ruth -Founder of Apraxia Speech UK