Comprehensive Apraxia Resources for Support, Treatment & Research

Unlock a wealth of valuable Apraxia resources to better understand, manage, and overcome the challenges of this condition, empowering you or your loved ones to lead a more fulfilling life.

Understanding and accessing support options, services, and resources for Apraxia is crucial for patients, family members, and caregivers. Apraxia, a neurological disorder affecting the ability to perform learned movements, can significantly impact daily life. Comprehensive knowledge about available support systems empowers individuals to better manage the condition, improve quality of life, and navigate challenges effectively. From speech therapy and occupational interventions to support groups and educational resources, a wide array of options exists to assist those affected by Apraxia. By learning about these resources, individuals and their support networks can make informed decisions, access appropriate care, and foster a more supportive environment for managing Apraxia.


Apraxia Fact Sheets: Key Information About the Disease

Apraxia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Comprehensive overview of apraxia, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Apraxia of Speech (PDF): Detailed fact sheet from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) covering types, causes, and symptoms of apraxia of speech.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Informative resource from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) focusing on childhood apraxia of speech, its signs, and treatment approaches.


Advocating for Apraxia: A List of Patient Advocacy Groups

Apraxia Kids: Provides education, support, and research for children with apraxia of speech and their families through webinars, conferences, and awareness campaigns.

The Apraxia Connection: Offers resources, support groups, and educational materials for families affected by childhood apraxia of speech.

The Apraxia Foundation: Hosts support groups, provides educational resources, and raises awareness for individuals with apraxia of speech and their families.

CHERAB Foundation: Focuses on research, education, and support for children with apraxia and other speech and language disorders.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA): Offers comprehensive resources, education, and support for families and professionals dealing with childhood apraxia of speech.

Apraxia Resource Center of Connecticut: Provides support, education, and resources for families and professionals in Connecticut dealing with childhood apraxia of speech.


Finding Support: A Directory of Apraxia Support Groups

Apraxia Foundation Zoom Support Groups: Offers weekly virtual support groups for kids, teenagers, and adults with childhood apraxia of speech, as well as parent support groups and AAC support sessions.

Apraxia Kids Official Support Group: Hosts a large Facebook support group with over 35,000 members, providing a platform for families to connect, share experiences, and seek advice.

Apraxia Network: A northern New Jersey-based non-profit support group for families of children and adults with all aspects of Apraxia, offering literature, networking opportunities, and up-to-date information in the field.

Apraxia Kids Grandparent Group: A closed Facebook group specifically for grandparents of children with apraxia, providing a space to share information and resources.

Parents of Teens and Tweens with Apraxia: A closed Facebook group for parents and professionals supporting children with apraxia of speech who are older than 10 years old.

Severe/Profound Childhood Apraxia of Speech (age 5-12): A Facebook group for parents of children aged 5-12 with severe to profound apraxia of speech, focusing on issues specific to this age group and severity level.

Just for Dads of Kids with Apraxia: A Facebook group dedicated to providing support and connection specifically for fathers of children with apraxia of speech.


Connecting with Others: Online Forums and Discussion Boards for Apraxia Patients

Apraxia-Kids Discussion Board: A forum hosted by Apraxia Kids where parents, caregivers, and professionals can share experiences, ask questions, and offer support related to childhood apraxia of speech.

Apraxia Network Facebook Group: A closed Facebook group providing a platform for parents, caregivers, and individuals with apraxia to connect, share resources, and offer mutual support.

Apraxia Parents Support Group: A Facebook group dedicated to parents of children with apraxia, offering a space to share experiences, ask questions, and provide emotional support.

DIS Disney Discussion Forums – Speech Apraxia Thread: A discussion thread on the Disney fan forums where parents of children with apraxia share experiences and offer support.

DC Urban Mom – Apraxia Discussion: A forum thread on DC Urban Mom where parents discuss their experiences with children who have resolved or are resolving apraxia.


Participating in Research: Current Apraxia Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov – Apraxia Studies: A comprehensive database of clinical trials related to Apraxia conducted in the United States, providing information on study designs, eligibility criteria, and locations.

Marquette University Childhood Apraxia of Speech Study: A multisite phase II randomized control trial investigating different treatment delivery schedules for children with childhood apraxia of speech.

Genetics of Speech Study: Research project exploring the genetic basis of childhood apraxia of speech to develop more targeted treatments and identify at-risk children.

MediFind Apraxia Clinical Trials: A search tool for active Apraxia clinical trials, providing information on various studies including those investigating methylphenidate treatment and longitudinal multi-modality imaging in progressive apraxia of speech.

CoRDS – Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford: A centralized international patient registry for rare diseases, including Apraxia, connecting patients with researchers to advance treatments and cures.


Managing Costs: Financial Assistance for Apraxia Patients

Apraxia Kids Speech Therapy Funding Guide: Provides information on various funding sources for speech therapy, including insurance, public programs, and local resources specific to apraxia.

NWO Apraxia Support: Offers grants to fund therapies, treatments, activities, or equipment that will enhance the lives of individual children impacted by Childhood Apraxia of Speech and other invisible disabilities in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

The Orange Effect Foundation: Provides grants for children with speech disorders to receive speech therapy and speech-generating devices, including those with apraxia.

Small Steps in Speech: Awards grants to children with speech and language disorders for therapies, treatments, communicative devices, and other services aimed at improving their communication skills, including those with apraxia.

Kaufman Children’s Center Special Needs Grants: Compiles a list of various grant resources that can potentially help fund speech therapy and related services for children with apraxia and other speech disorders.

Apraxia Kids Research Grants: While primarily for researchers, this program indirectly benefits apraxia patients by funding studies that advance understanding and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech.


Traditional Treatments: Conventional Medicine for Apraxia

Mayo Clinic – Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Offers comprehensive treatment options including speech therapy focusing on practicing syllables, words, and phrases, with potential for 3-5 sessions per week depending on severity.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Apraxia Treatment: Provides information on various treatment approaches for childhood apraxia of speech, including motor programming, linguistic, and rhythmic approaches.

Brooks Rehabilitation – Apraxia of Speech Treatment: Offers restorative and compensatory treatment approaches for adults with apraxia of speech, including articulatory-kinematic approaches and alternative communication methods.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Apraxia Program: Provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for children with apraxia of speech, utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches and family education.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Speech-Language Pathology: Offers specialized treatment for apraxia of speech, including intensive therapy programs and cutting-edge interventions for both children and adults.

Boston Children’s Hospital – Speech-Language Therapy: Provides individualized treatment plans for children with apraxia of speech, incorporating various therapeutic techniques and technologies to improve speech production.


Exploring Alternatives: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Apraxia

Apraxia Kids – Alternative Treatments: Provides information on various alternative treatments for childhood apraxia of speech, including dietary supplements, sensory integration therapy, and craniosacral therapy, while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices.

The Cherab Foundation: Offers resources on alternative therapies for apraxia, including information on fish oils and other nutritional supplements, as well as alternative communication methods and sensory integration techniques.

Neurofeedback Training Co.: Provides neurofeedback training as an alternative therapy for apraxia, aiming to improve brain function and communication skills through brain wave regulation techniques.

Interactive Metronome: Offers a rhythm-based therapy that may benefit individuals with apraxia by improving timing and coordination in speech production and motor planning.

The Listening Program: Provides acoustically modified music therapy that may help individuals with apraxia improve their auditory processing skills and speech production.

Brain Balance Centers: Offers a holistic approach to treating apraxia and other neurological disorders through a combination of sensory motor stimulation, cognitive exercises, and nutritional guidance.

Tomatis Method USA: Provides auditory stimulation therapy that may benefit individuals with apraxia by improving listening skills and potentially enhancing speech production.


Supporting Loved Ones: Resources for Apraxia Families and Caregivers

Apraxia Kids: Offers comprehensive resources for families, including a Family Start Guide, educational materials, webinars, and support groups for parents of children with apraxia of speech.

Apraxia 101: Provides educational resources, support, and advocacy information for families and caregivers of individuals with apraxia, including a collection of helpful materials and links to support groups.

The Apraxia Connection: Offers resources, support groups, and educational materials specifically designed for families affected by childhood apraxia of speech.

Apraxia Space: A community platform providing caregiver support, education, and monthly live meetups with speech-language pathologists specializing in apraxia.

SLP Mommy of Apraxia: Offers a blog, resources, and a guide to grants for speech therapy, providing practical advice and support for families dealing with apraxia.

Apraxia Foundation Zoom Support Groups: Hosts weekly virtual support groups for kids, teenagers, and adults with childhood apraxia of speech, as well as parent support groups and AAC support sessions.


Navigating Apraxia in School: Resources for Students

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA): A national organization for students interested in communication sciences and disorders, offering resources and networking opportunities for those studying speech-language pathology, including topics related to apraxia.

Apraxia Kids Student Center: Provides resources specifically for students with apraxia, including information on accommodations, self-advocacy, and transitioning to higher education.

CHERAB Foundation Student Resources: Offers educational materials and support for students with apraxia and other speech disorders, helping them navigate academic challenges.

Apraxia-KIDS Student Support Group: A Facebook group dedicated to supporting students with apraxia, providing a platform for sharing experiences and advice on managing apraxia in educational settings.

Apraxia Connection Student Resources: Provides information and resources specifically tailored for students with apraxia, including tips for success in school and self-advocacy strategies.


Raising a Child with Apraxia: Guidance and Support

Apraxia Kids Parent Resources: Offers a comprehensive collection of resources for parents, including a Family Start Guide, educational materials, and support groups specifically designed for parents of children with apraxia of speech.

Apraxia 101 Parent Support: Provides guidance, educational resources, and a supportive community for parents navigating the challenges of raising a child with apraxia.

SLP Mommy of Apraxia: A blog and resource site created by a speech-language pathologist who is also a mother of a child with apraxia, offering practical advice and support for parents.

Apraxia Connection Parent Resources: Offers a variety of resources specifically for parents, including educational materials, support group information, and tips for advocating for children with apraxia.

Apraxia Space Parent Community: A membership-based online community providing support, education, and monthly live meetups with speech-language pathologists specializing in apraxia for parents and caregivers.

NWO Apraxia Support Parent Resources: Provides information, support, and resources for parents of children with apraxia in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, including educational materials and local support options.


Caregiving for Elderly Apraxia Patients: Tips and Strategies

TerraBella Senior Living: Offers specialized care and support for seniors with apraxia, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy tailored to address the unique challenges of elderly apraxia patients.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Apraxia in Adults: Provides resources and information specifically for caregivers of adults with apraxia, including tips for communication strategies and therapy options.

National Aphasia Association – Apraxia Resources: Offers guidance and support for caregivers of elderly apraxia patients, including communication tips and resources for finding specialized care.

Stroke Association – Apraxia After Stroke: Provides information and resources for caregivers of elderly stroke survivors who develop apraxia, including strategies for daily care and rehabilitation.

Parkinson’s Foundation – Speech and Swallowing Problems: Offers resources for caregivers of elderly Parkinson’s patients who may develop apraxia, including tips for managing speech difficulties and finding appropriate therapies.


Frequently Asked Questions about Apraxia

What is apraxia?
Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform learned movements on command, even though the command is understood and there is a willingness to perform the movement. In the context of speech, it affects the ability to plan and coordinate the precise movements needed for clear speech production.

What causes apraxia?
The exact cause of apraxia is often unknown, but it is believed to be related to problems in the brain’s neural pathways responsible for planning and executing movements. It can be present from birth (childhood apraxia of speech) or acquired later in life due to brain injury, stroke, or neurological conditions.

How is apraxia diagnosed?
Apraxia is typically diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist through a comprehensive evaluation. This may include assessments of oral-motor skills, speech sound production, language comprehension, and the ability to imitate sounds and words. For acquired apraxia, neurological examinations and brain imaging may also be used.

What are the common symptoms of apraxia?
Common symptoms include difficulty producing speech sounds correctly and consistently, struggling to transition between sounds and syllables, and problems with the rhythm and intonation of speech. People with apraxia may also have difficulty with non-speech oral movements, such as blowing or kissing.

Is apraxia the same as a speech delay?
No, apraxia is not the same as a speech delay. While a speech delay involves a slower-than-normal development of speech skills, apraxia is a specific neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to plan and execute speech movements, even when the individual knows what they want to say.

Can apraxia be cured?
While apraxia cannot be cured in the traditional sense, many individuals, especially children, can make significant improvements with appropriate therapy. The goal of treatment is to improve speech clarity and communication skills, which can lead to substantial progress over time.

What treatments are available for apraxia?
The primary treatment for apraxia is speech therapy. This may involve techniques such as oral-motor exercises, repetitive practice of speech sounds and movements, and the use of visual and tactile cues. For some individuals, especially those with severe apraxia, alternative communication methods may also be introduced.

How long does treatment for apraxia typically last?
The duration of treatment varies greatly depending on the severity of the apraxia and individual factors. For children with apraxia, therapy may continue for several years. Adults with acquired apraxia may see improvements over months or years, but some may require ongoing support.

Can people with apraxia learn to communicate effectively?
Yes, many people with apraxia can learn to communicate effectively with appropriate therapy and support. This may involve improving speech production, using alternative communication methods, or a combination of approaches. The goal is to find the most effective way for each individual to express themselves.

Is apraxia associated with cognitive impairment?
Apraxia itself is not associated with cognitive impairment. People with apraxia typically understand language and know what they want to say, but have difficulty with the motor planning aspect of speech. However, apraxia can co-occur with other conditions that may affect cognition.


Hope for the Future: Current Research and Potential Cures for Apraxia

Apraxia Kids Research Grants: Provides funding for high-quality scientific research on childhood apraxia of speech, supporting studies that aim to improve assessment and treatment decision-making.

Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI) Speech and Language Recovery Laboratory: Conducts research on apraxia of speech, focusing on improving assessment and differential diagnosis of the disorder in both children and adults.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Research in Apraxia: Offers updates on current research initiatives and findings related to apraxia of speech, providing insights into potential future treatments and interventions.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Apraxia Research: Supports and conducts research to understand the causes of apraxia and develop more effective diagnostic and treatment methods.

ClinicalTrials.gov – Apraxia Studies: Provides a comprehensive database of ongoing clinical trials related to apraxia, offering insights into cutting-edge research and potential future treatments.

Apraxia Research Consortium: Brings together researchers, clinicians, and families to advance the understanding of childhood apraxia of speech and develop more effective treatments.


Related Subjects
Communication Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Neurological Disorders
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