What Causes Apraxia of Speech?
If a speech pathologist has diagnosed your child with apraxia of speech, you will understandably be concerned. This can be a serious condition and may lead to frustration for you and your child. The more you learn about this speech problem, the more comfortable you can be in getting the right treatment. It is helpful to find out about what factors contribute to this condition and what can treat it. The good news is there are ways your child can overcome this issue and speak clearly and normally.
A few thoughts about apraxia
There are different possible causes of this speech problem. However, it can be difficult for a speech pathologist to identify the specific reasons why it is occurring. A child with this condition has difficulty making the necessary movements to form words properly. This occurs due to a disconnect between the brain and the areas responsible for speech: the lips, jaw, tongue, and other muscles. Apraxia is rare and affects young children.
Effects from other conditions
Though speech pathologists do not know for sure, apraxia could be linked to other neurological issues. It is possible that if a child suffers a stroke, it could impact the brain’s ability to send signals to the mouth for speech. Also, problems such as infections or traumatic brain injuries may also play a role in apraxia of speech. Some speech pathologists believe that genetic disorders can cause this condition. It could also be due to metabolic dysfunctions.
Signs and symptoms
Parents should be aware of certain clues that a child has apraxia. One of the first signs can be that the child does not start speaking as early as the parents or doctor may expect. The child may also have only a few words in their vocabulary. Other possible signs include distorted vowel or consonant signs as well as split syllables. It may be difficult for the child to say basic words with a few letters and syllables.
Movement issues
The parents may not be sure whether the child’s difficulty in making sounds means apraxia is evident. Parents and speech therapists can also observe the child’s face and mouth when the young person is trying to talk. Kids with this condition may visibly struggle to manipulate their lips or tongue to form words. It may also be difficult for children to move from one sound or one word to the next.
A parent’s next steps
Apraxia of speech is not a condition to take lightly or overlook. Parents who notice these signs should seek professional help for the child. A speech pathologist or therapist can start a plan to treat this condition. The therapist can take the child through repetitive exercises that will teach the young patient how to move their lips and jaw correctly.
Hope for overcoming apraxia
As a parent, it is normal for you to worry about your child’s speech development. When struggling to move the mouth is the reason for these delays and challenges, your child may have apraxia. The good news is there are ways to confront these concerns. Knowing the causes, as well as the signs, can direct you to get the right help. Call a speech therapist today for an evaluation.
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