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of this type of apraxia. This is evident with noticeable language disturbances called aphasia. People who have aphasia will often struggle with false starts, articulation, word repetitions, jaw, tongue and lip movements during speech, and a generally slow pace of speech.

Apraxia is most often diagnosed by parents after close observation, and paying attention to their child if they feel that something just isn't right. Official diagnosis would be made by a physician but testing usually requires the observation of the child performing basic tasks such as sticking out their tongue, waving, brushing their teeth, cutting paper with scissors, speaking, reciting words and phrases and depending on the age and suspicion of severity other tasks may be requested.

Apraxia disorders are neurological disorders, and therefore treatment usually begins with getting a neurologist involved, in some cases surgical intervention may help alleviate some of the symptoms, but usually therapy with a speech and language pathologist, and or occupational therapists are what will be required.

References:
Apraxia-Ki ds. Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association. December 9, 2003 (March 11, 2004). www.apraxiakids.org.
NINDS Apraxia Information Page. National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke. December 17, 2001 (March 11, 2004). http://www.ninds.nih.gov/healt h_and_medical/disorders/apraxi a.htm.

Learn more about this author, Amelia Tibbett.
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