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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Apraxia of Speech
DEFINITION
Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder affecting the planning and programming of the movements needed for speech. It is distinct from aphasia (language disorder) — the person knows what they want to say but has difficulty translating that into movement.
WHY IT MATTERS
Apraxia is frequently co-occurring with autism and significantly affects communication. Appropriate support (including AAC) is essential. Apraxia does not indicate intellectual disability.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Apraxia is not laziness or lack of effort. The motor planning required for speech is simply not working reliably. More effort does not fix a motor planning disorder.