Apraxia of speech is a communication disorder that can occur after a stroke. It makes it difficult for the brain to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech, even though the muscles themselves may be strong enough. Learn what apraxia of speech is, how it differs from aphasia and dysarthria, and what recovery may look like.

After your stroke...

You know exactly what you want to say.

Your lips are ready.

Your tongue is ready.

But the words won't come out correctly.

You try again...

The sounds come out differently.

You know it's wrong.

But you can't seem to fix it.

You begin wondering...

"Why can't my mouth do what my brain is telling it to do?"

For some stroke survivors...

This is called apraxia of speech.

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The Good News

Many people with apraxia of speech improve significantly through rehabilitation.

Recovery often continues for months and even years after a stroke.

Speech and language therapy, regular practice and neuroplasticity all help the brain rebuild communication pathways.

Progress may feel slow.

But every attempt is helping your brain learn.

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What Is Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of speech is a neurological speech disorder that affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech.

Your speech muscles are usually strong enough.

The problem is that the brain struggles to organise the correct sequence of movements.

It's like having all the right parts of a machine...

But the instruction manual has become scrambled.

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Can a Stroke Cause Apraxia of Speech?

Yes.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of apraxia of speech.

It usually occurs when the stroke affects the language and speech planning areas of the brain, most commonly on the left side.

The muscles used for speaking may be normal.

The difficulty lies in planning the movements needed to produce words.

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Apraxia Is Different From Aphasia and Dysarthria

These conditions are often confused.

Apraxia of Speech

✓ You know what you want to say.

✓ Your speech muscles may be working normally.

✓ The brain struggles to plan the movements needed for speech.

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Aphasia

✓ The problem is with language.

✓ You may struggle to find or understand words.

✓ Reading and writing may also be affected.

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Dysarthria

✓ The problem is weakness or poor control of the speech muscles.

✓ Speech sounds slurred because the muscles cannot move properly.

Some stroke survivors experience more than one of these conditions at the same time.

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Symptoms of Apraxia of Speech

Symptoms vary from person to person.

You may notice:

✓ Difficulty starting words.

✓ Saying the same word differently each time.

✓ Speech that sounds slow or hesitant.

✓ Pausing frequently.

✓ Groping movements of the lips or tongue.

✓ Difficulty with longer words.

✓ Better speech when using automatic phrases such as "thank you."

✓ Becoming frustrated because you know what you want to say.

Speech errors are often inconsistent.

You may pronounce a word correctly one moment...

And struggle with the same word the next.

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How Does Apraxia Affect Everyday Life?

Apraxia of speech can make communication exhausting.

You may find it harder to:

✓ Hold conversations.

✓ Speak on the telephone.

✓ Introduce yourself.

✓ Ask for help.

✓ Order food.

✓ Return to work.

✓ Socialise.

Many people avoid conversations because speaking requires so much effort.

This can affect confidence and emotional wellbeing.

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Treatment and Rehabilitation

Speech and language therapy is the main treatment for apraxia of speech.

Recovery focuses on retraining the brain to plan speech movements more accurately.

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Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapists develop exercises based on your individual needs.

Therapy may include:

✓ Repeating sounds.

✓ Practising words.

✓ Building longer sentences.

✓ Improving speech rhythm.

✓ Learning strategies to make communication easier.

Regular practice is essential.

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Repetition

The brain learns through repetition.

Practising words many times helps strengthen new neural pathways.

Although progress may seem gradual, every repetition is helping your brain relearn speech.

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Using Multiple Communication Methods

While speech continues improving, it may help to use:

✓ Writing.

✓ Gestures.

✓ Drawing.

✓ Communication apps.

✓ Picture boards.

These tools reduce frustration and help you communicate more confidently.

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Neuroplasticity

Recovery is possible because of neuroplasticity.

The brain has the ability to reorganise itself and build new pathways around damaged areas.

The more you practise, the more opportunities your brain has to improve.

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Practical Tips

Slow Down

Trying to speak too quickly often makes speech more difficult.

Taking your time improves accuracy.

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Practise Little and Often

Short daily practice sessions are usually more effective than occasional long sessions.

Consistency is key.

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Focus on One Word at a Time

Breaking difficult phrases into smaller parts often makes speech easier.

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Don't Give Up

Speech may feel easier one day and harder the next.

Fluctuations are common during recovery.

Keep practising.

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Celebrate Small Improvements

Every correctly spoken word is progress.

Recovery happens through thousands of small victories.

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Tips for Family and Friends

If someone has apraxia of speech:

✓ Give them plenty of time to speak.

✓ Don't interrupt or rush them.

✓ Encourage communication in any form.

✓ Be patient.

✓ Focus on the message rather than perfect speech.

Remember...

They know what they want to say.

They simply need extra time for their brain to organise the movements.

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When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Speak with your healthcare professional if:

✓ Speech suddenly becomes worse.

✓ You develop new difficulty speaking.

✓ Communication problems interfere with everyday life.

✓ You become increasingly frustrated or withdrawn.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if speech problems develop suddenly, especially alongside facial drooping, arm weakness or confusion.

These may be signs of another stroke.

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My Perspective

Not being able to say the words you know can be incredibly frustrating.

You try.

You try again.

Sometimes the words come.

Sometimes they don't.

But recovery isn't measured by one difficult conversation.

It's measured by the thousands of times you keep trying.

Every attempt teaches your brain something new.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apraxia of Speech Improve After a Stroke?

Yes.

Many people improve significantly through speech and language therapy, consistent practice and neuroplasticity.

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Is Apraxia the Same as Aphasia?

No.

Apraxia affects speech planning.

Aphasia affects language.

Some people experience both conditions after a stroke.

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Does Apraxia Affect Intelligence?

No.

Apraxia affects the brain's ability to plan speech movements.

It does not affect intelligence.

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Can Recovery Continue Years After a Stroke?

Yes.

The brain continues adapting throughout life.

Meaningful improvements remain possible months and even years after a stroke.

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Key Takeaways

✓ Apraxia of speech is caused by difficulty planning speech movements.

✓ Stroke is one of the most common causes.

✓ It is different from aphasia and dysarthria.

✓ Speech and language therapy is the main treatment.

✓ Daily practice supports neuroplasticity and recovery.

✓ Many people continue improving long after their stroke.

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About the Author

Alisia Gayle is a stroke survivor who achieved 96% neurological recovery following an ischaemic stroke.

After years of rehabilitation, she now shares practical, evidence-informed resources to help stroke survivors, carers and families better understand recovery and rebuild their lives with confidence.

Alisia is also the author of Brain Damage: My Journey to 96% Recovery, where she shares her personal stroke recovery story and the lessons she learned throughout her rehabilitation.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek advice from your doctor, speech and language therapist or other healthcare professional regarding symptoms, concerns or changes in your condition.

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Final Thoughts

Every word begins as a signal in the brain.

After a stroke, those signals may take a different path.

That doesn't mean they're gone.

Every sound you practise...

Every word you repeat...

Every conversation you attempt...

Helps your brain build stronger communication pathways.

Be patient with yourself.

Recovery happens one sound, one word and one conversation at a time.