How to Find Best Speech Therapist who Treats Adult Apraxia

Find the Best Speech Therapist Who Treats Apraxia

Time is of the Essence

People want to know how to find the best apraxia speech therapist for their loved one with apraxia. Out of all the speech and language difficulties out there, apraxia speech therapy is one of the most difficult for the therapist to master. For many it has taken years of practice. Others never really master it.

Only when the therapist has been confronted by adults and children with apraxia and is forced to address their speaking difficulty, do they begin to understand how to improve it.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BEST APRAXIA SPEECH THERAPIST

For many, it is the experiences in life that give us the knowledge of knowing what to do in particular situations.  Therapists are often grateful to their patients for giving them the opportunities to practice therapy.  Through trial and error the therapist begins to learn what works and what does not.  Some therapists or patients may give up with the frustration of trial and error.  There are others who are empowered when the results are not forthcoming.  They learn something from the lack of results and then go back and try again using a different approach. 

TRIAL AND ERROR LEARNING

It's that trial and error learning that makes us all better at what we do.  It was said that Thomas Edison developed over 3,000 theories and experiments with the electric light that he wanted to perfect. Each time it failed, he learned something that would make the next attempt better.  The same principles apply in speech therapy for apraxia.  It's a tough nut to crack, and only the truly dedicated therapists are willing to stick around and figure it out.  However it takes a certain knowledge set, that some therapists have due to excellent training programs or their desire to independently read and study the problem.   There are others who do not have the patience and look for what appears to be the simplest communication solution. 

What Apraxia Is

Apraxia is a motor speech problem.  The motor that moves the tongue, lips, and palate does not work well.  Some believe there is a miscommunication or a breakdown that could be either temporary or permanent between the brain and the structure that needs to be moved.  Those with apraxia have difficulty moving their tongue, throat and lips. When they go to move them, the parts do not move the way they are directed.  Let's say I wanted you to raise your hand right now and I told you to do it.  Let's say you could not do it.  Then I might show you by lifting my arm and hand off my lap and lift them towards the sky. (test for limb apraxia)   Many with apraxia have extreme difficulty or can not initially move a structure when they are initially shown how. 

This is the problem those with apraxia, their therapists and caregivers face.  They are shown how to say a sound, and even when they are shown how, still can't do it.  When it happens over and over again, especially for a therapist who has little expertise with apraxia the first thought after numerous attempts is to give up and say "I've tried and we are going to have you use a talking machine or an AAC device.  (The path of least resistance.)  That usually leaves the patient and caregiver with frustration and defeat.  And anyway, who wants to use an i pads to say a word or "canned" phrase?  It's often confusing, sad, and devastating.

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE BEST APRAXIA SPEECH THERAPISTS

The good news is there are apraxia speech therapists who understand the condition of apraxia and have experience treating it.  There are some therapists who are experienced with apraxia, and know what to do.  It's often a matter of knowing or figuring it out.  Those who can't figure it out or don't want to reach for the AAC device or the i pad.  (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

Apps are another concern.  They don't think, or problem solve and many are developed by therapists who might not fully appreciate the many techniques which can be used to help those with apraxia speak.  There is not one way to work with apraxia, and it is a condition that often has other complicating symptoms, like dysarthria slurred speech, or aphasia. There is just no singular approach to apraxia and many people are incorrectly diagnosed.   

The Solution For Those Who Want To Speak Again

1.  Find an apraxia speech therapist who understand apraxia, especially from the viewpoint of articulation theory.

2.  Do not settle for alternative or augmentative approaches to speaking such as apps or technology unless you have exhausted your search for an expert apraxia speech therapist to make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.  

3.  Don't give up until you find the best apraxia speech therapist who can help you.  They may be difficult to find, but when you find the right one you will be glad you did.

Should you wish to speak with a therapist who understands apraxia and has years of experience contact us today.  E Mail Inquiries

talkwithmark1@gmail.com and we would be happy to correspond or talk with you.  teachingoftalking.com  

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