Signs and Symptoms of Apraxia in Adults

Apraxia of Speech (AOS) in adults is a motor speech disorder that can significantly affect communication. It often occurs after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological conditions. Understanding the signs and symptoms of adult apraxia is essential for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective therapy.

Whether you are a caregiver, healthcare provider, or someone recovering from a brain injury, this guide will help you recognize the common signs of apraxia in adults.

🔍 What Is Apraxia of Speech in Adults?

Apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to plan and sequence the movements needed for speech. Unlike aphasia, which affects language comprehension or production, apraxia affects the motor planning of speech sounds, even though the person knows what they want to say.

🚨 Common Signs and Symptoms of Adult Apraxia of Speech

Here are the most common symptoms you might notice in someone with adult-onset apraxia:

1. Inconsistent Speech Errors

• Repeating the same word might result in different mispronunciations each time.

• Words may be distorted, with sounds added, omitted, or rearranged.

2. Groping for Sounds

• The person may struggle to position their mouth correctly.

• Visible effort or "groping" movements of the lips, jaw, or tongue may be seen as they try to form words.

3. Difficulty Saying Long or Complex Words

• Longer words often result in more errors.

• They may simplify words or avoid saying them altogether.

4. Slow, Effortful Speech

• Speech becomes labored and deliberate.

• The person may speak more slowly to compensate for their difficulties.

5. Better Automatic Speech Than Voluntary Speech

• Automatic phrases like “hello” or “thank you” are often easier than trying to form new sentences.

• This discrepancy is a key sign of apraxia.

6. Increased Errors With Stress or Fatigue

• Symptoms may worsen when the person is tired, anxious, or under pressure.

7. Awareness of Speech Errors

• Many individuals with apraxia know what they want to say but get frustrated because they can’t produce the sounds correctly.

• This often leads to emotional distress, anxiety, or withdrawal from conversation.

🧠 Associated Conditions

Apraxia in adults often occurs alongside:

• Aphasia (language impairment)

• Dysarthria (slurred or weak speech due to muscle weakness)

• Cognitive impairments (in severe brain injuries)

🩺 How Is Apraxia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) using specialized speech assessments. They evaluate:

• Sound production

• Speech fluency

• Muscle movements during speech

• Verbal imitation abilities

Early detection leads to faster therapy and improved outcomes.

💬 Why Early Recognition Matters

Recognizing the signs early is essential because:

• It allows for faster intervention

• Improves long-term speech outcomes

• Helps tailor therapy plans for stroke or TBI recovery

🌐 Online Therapy for Apraxia

With platforms like TelloMeet, patients can now access expert speech therapy from the comfort of home. Teletherapy is ideal for stroke survivors, mobility-limited individuals, and those in remote areas.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Adult apraxia affects the ability to coordinate speech, not comprehension.

• Inconsistent errors, groping, and slow, effortful speech are core signs.

• Early therapy and diagnosis are critical for recovery.

• Teletherapy platforms like TelloMeet offer accessible, personalized treatment options.

📞 Need Help with Speech Recovery?

Connect with a certified speech-language pathologist at TelloMeet for online sessions tailored to adult apraxia.

👉 Book Your Free Consultation
🧠 Rebuild your speech. Reclaim your confidence.