Acquired dyspraxia, also known as acquired apraxia of speech, is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to plan and coordinate the movements necessary for speech. Unlike developmental dyspraxia, which is present from birth, acquired dyspraxia occurs later in life, typically as a result of brain injury or illness. This condition can make speaking difficult, as the brain struggles to send the correct signals to the muscles involved in speech.
Causes of Acquired Dyspraxia
Acquired dyspraxia is most often caused by damage to specific areas of the brain that control motor planning and speech. Common causes include:
Stroke: A leading cause, where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, resulting in brain damage.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Damage from an external force, such as a fall or car accident, can lead to dyspraxia.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s can gradually lead to dyspraxia as the brain’s functions deteriorate.
Symptoms of Acquired Dyspraxia
Symptoms of acquired dyspraxia can vary in severity and may include:
Difficulty Pronouncing Words: Speech may become slow, halting, or slurred.
Inconsistent Errors: The same word might be pronounced differently each time, making speech unpredictable.
Struggle to Form Words: A person may know what they want to say but find it hard to physically articulate the words.
Effortful Speech: Speaking may require significant effort, leading to frustration.
Reduced Intelligibility: Others may have difficulty understanding the person’s speech.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for acquired dyspraxia focuses on improving speech abilities through personalized therapy and support. Key approaches include:
Speech Therapy: Intensive, targeted therapy sessions to help retrain the brain and muscles involved in speech. Techniques may include repetition, pacing, and using visual or tactile cues.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Tools such as communication boards or speech-generating devices can assist in communication when speech is severely affected.