Apraxia of Speech Therapy in Perth

What is Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of speech (AOS), also known as verbal apraxia or dyspraxia, is a motor speech disorder that affects an individual's ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. This condition can make it difficult for someone to produce words correctly, even though the muscles involved in speaking are not weak or paralyzed. Apraxia can affect children (childhood apraxia of speech) and adults, often following a stroke or brain injury.

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our speech therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating apraxia of speech. We offer customized therapy programs to help individuals improve their speech clarity and communication skills.

Signs and Symptoms of Apraxia of Speech

Individuals with apraxia of speech may present with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty pronouncing sounds correctly

• Struggling to string together syllables and words

• Inconsistent speech errors (saying a word correctly one time and incorrectly another time)

• Groping for sounds (visible effort or struggle to say the right sound)

• Slow speech with frequent pauses

• Increased difficulty with longer, more complex words or sentences

If these signs are present in you or your child, it’s important to seek early intervention from a speech therapist for the best outcomes.

How We Treat Apraxia of Speech at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

Our speech therapy for apraxia of speech focuses on improving the brain's ability to plan and execute the movements required for speech. Treatment may involve:

• Repetitive practice of sound sequences to build muscle memory.

• Cueing strategies, such as visual, auditory, or tactile cues, to help guide correct sound production.

• Speech motor learning therapy, where patients practice specific speech movements until they become more automatic.

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods if needed, such as sign language or communication devices, particularly in severe cases.

We offer a supportive, engaging environment with play-based approaches for children and structured exercises for adults. Our sensory room and kids therapy gym provide additional resources for children with apraxia.

Why Early Intervention is Crucial for Apraxia of Speech

For children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), early intervention is critical. The earlier therapy begins, the better the chances for significant improvement. Without early speech therapy, apraxia can impact a child’s social interactions, learning, and confidence.

Similarly, adults with apraxia—whether due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological conditions—benefit from timely speech therapy to regain or improve speech skills.

Who Can Benefit from Speech Therapy for Apraxia of Speech?

• Children: Childhood apraxia of speech often becomes apparent as young children begin speaking. Therapy can significantly improve their ability to communicate.

• Adults: Apraxia in adults often follows a stroke or neurological injury. Speech therapy can help adults regain lost speech abilities and improve communication in everyday life.

Meet Our Expert Speech Therapy Team

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our dedicated team of speech therapists is highly experienced in treating both childhood and adult apraxia of speech. We work with individuals and families to create personalized therapy plans that address each client’s unique needs. With our rehabilitation gym and sensory room, we provide a supportive and resource-rich environment for therapy.

Apraxia of Speech vs. Other Speech Disorders

It’s important to differentiate apraxia of speech from other speech disorders like articulation disorders or phonological disorders. While articulation disorders involve difficulty forming specific sounds, apraxia is a motor planning problem where the brain struggles to send the correct signals to the muscles for speaking.

Our speech therapists are skilled in assessing and diagnosing a range of speech disorders to ensure the right treatment approach for each individual.