Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that can make it difficult to speak clearly, even when a person knows exactly what they want to say. Whether it affects a child just learning to speak or an adult recovering from a neurological event, apraxia can be frustrating and isolating. At Middle Hill Speech and Voice Clinic, we specialize in providing personalized speech therapy for apraxia, empowering our clients to communicate with confidence and clarity.

What Is Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a neurological condition that interferes with the brain's ability to coordinate the muscle movements required for speech. It’s not caused by muscle weakness or paralysis, but rather a disruption in the brain's ability to send the correct signals to the muscles that control the lips, jaw, and tongue.

There are two primary types of apraxia:

1) Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS): This developmental disorder appears in early childhood and makes it difficult for children to form clear, consistent speech sounds.

2) Acquired apraxia of speech: This form often results from stroke, brain injury, or neurological illness in adults who previously had normal speech.

Regardless of the type, speech therapy for apraxia of speech is essential to improving communication and overall quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Apraxia

Recognizing the signs early is key to beginning effective treatment. Here are some common indicators:

In Children:

Limited babbling or cooing as infants
Delayed first words
Difficulty combining sounds into words
Inconsistent speech errors (saying a word correctly once and incorrectly later)
Groping or trial-and-error movements when trying to speak

In Adults:

Struggling to pronounce familiar words
Slowed or halting speech
Substituting sounds or syllables
Difficulty stringing words together in longer phrases

If you or your child is experiencing these symptoms, speech apraxia therapy can help build the necessary motor planning skills to produce clearer speech.

What to Expect from Speech Therapy for Apraxia

At Middle Hill Speech and Voice Clinic, we tailor our apraxia speech therapy sessions to each client’s unique needs. Therapy for apraxia is highly individualized and may include:

1) Motor Planning and Repetition: Apraxia often requires frequent and structured practice. Your speech therapist will guide you through targeted exercises that improve the brain’s ability to plan and sequence speech movements. Repetition is key.

2) Visual and Tactile Cues: Therapists may use visual cues (like mirrors or videos) and tactile prompts (like gently touching the face) to help clients understand how to position their mouth and tongue for specific sounds.

3) Sound and Word Drills: Clients often start with single sounds, then gradually build to syllables, words, and full sentences. Therapy will focus on both clarity and consistency of sound production.

4) Melodic Intonation Therapy: This technique uses rhythm and melody similar to singing to engage different parts of the brain and improve speech fluency, especially helpful in severe cases.

5) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): In some cases, temporary use of AAC devices (like speech-generating apps) may be recommended to help clients express themselves while verbal skills improve.

How Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech Therapy Different?

Childhood apraxia of speech therapy often requires more intensive and long-term intervention than other types of speech delays. Therapy for CAS may include:

Frequent sessions (often 2–4 times per week)
Play-based activities that engage children while reinforcing sound patterns
Family involvement to carry exercises into daily routines and encourage progress at home

Early and consistent intervention is crucial. The earlier therapy begins, the greater the potential for long-term speech improvements.

Why Choose Middle Hill Speech and Voice Clinic?

At Middle Hill Speech and Voice Clinic, we understand how frustrating apraxia can be for both the individual and their loved ones. Our licensed and certified speech-language pathologists offer:

Specialized training in apraxia-focused therapies
A supportive, patient-first approach that celebrates every success
Customized plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals
Bilingual therapy options (when applicable) to support multilingual families
Ongoing support and education for caregivers and family members

We work with both children and adults, helping them gain the skills and confidence to speak more clearly and naturally. Whether you're looking for childhood apraxia of speech therapy or support after a stroke or injury, our team is here to help.

When to Seek Help

If you suspect that your child is struggling with speech development, or if you or a loved one has suddenly lost the ability to speak clearly, don't wait. Early intervention is critical to success with speech therapy for apraxia.

At Middle Hill Speech and Voice Clinic, we offer initial consultations and evaluations to determine the best treatment plan. We’ll answer your questions, explain the process, and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you're ready to explore speech therapy for apraxia of speech, Middle Hill Speech and Voice Clinic is here to support your journey. Our experienced team is passionate about helping individuals of all ages find their voice and communicate with confidence.