Verbal dyspraxia is a speech disorder in which children have trouble expressing themselves, especially when under pressure. Verbal dyspraxia affects each child differently. Some children will suffer only minor difficulties, while others may not be able to communicate verbally at all. While there is no cure for verbal dyspraxia, speech therapy may help children with this disorder learn to speak more effectively.
What is Verbal Dyspraxia?
Verbal dyspraxia affects a child's ability to speak on command or under pressure. Children with this disorder are unable to construct the proper vocabulary necessary to communicate efficiently and need to think about what they are going to say in order to express what they mean and not repeat words. Dyspraxic children lack volitional control, which is the ability to speak or make sounds when asked to do so. However, in situations where the child is not consciously trying to speak, such as while playing, dyspraxic children are often able to speak much more effectively.
Causes
The exact cause of verbal dyspraxia is unknown. Some scientists believe that it may be a genetic disorder, as many dyspraxic children have family members with learning disabilities or communication disorders. Other theories suggest that verbal dyspraxia may be a neurological disorder in which the brain is unable to send the proper signals necessary to move the muscles used during speech. As of 2010, researchers are looking for specific brain or nervous system anomalies that would explain why certain children develop this disorder.
Symptoms
Children with verbal dyspraxia can suffer from a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of verbal dyspraxia is difficulty using sounds and syllables together correctly to form words. In addition, dyspraxic children's speech is often unpredictable in that words they are able to say one day may give them trouble the next. Dyspraxic children may also have difficulty holding a conversation and difficulty being understood. Pausing while speaking and speaking very slowly are also symptoms of this disorder.
Diagnosis
If you suspect your child may have verbal dyspraxia, your pediatrician will likely recommend he be evaluated by a speech pathologist. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, your child will be checked for common symptoms of the disorder and may also be asked to perform certain speech tasks, such as repeating a certain word several times. Additional contributing factors, such as muscle weakness or language-comprehension problems will also be considered and ruled out prior to making a diagnosis.
Treatment
Dyspraxic children typically receive speech therapy to help them learn how to move their mouths to make sounds correctly. Children also work with their therapists to build on their existing vocabulary and word retention skills. Because symptoms can range from mild to severe, therapy should be individualized to each child's specific needs. Children with severe verbal dyspraxia may never be able to express themselves verbally and may require help establishing other means of communication, such as sign language.
