Dysarthria and Acquired Apraxia of Speech (AOS)

Dysarthria and acquired AOS are motor speech disorders that impact a person’s speech intelligibility. Dysarthria occurs when the muscles of respiration and speech are weak, slow, or difficult to control, causing speech that may sound slurred or difficult to understand. In contrast, Apraxia of Speech occurs when the area of the brain responsible for putting together the plan for speech does not work properly. 

A person with AOS has difficulty coordinating movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw that is required to produce speech, resulting in speech that may sound choppy and effortful. Both dysarthria and AOS are commonly seen following a stroke. 

Our therapists will create an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve more fluent, intelligible speech through the use of targeted speech exercises and compensatory strategies that build upon your strengths. Interested in group therapy?

Contact us to learn more about our upcoming Parkinson’s group, where you can practice speech and communication skills in a group setting.