Which statement best describes apraxia of speech?

• A. It is primarily a weakness of the articulatory muscles.
• B. It involves inconsistent errors and articulatory groping without true weakness.
• C. It is a result of hearing loss.
• D. It primarily affects respiration.

Answer: (B)

Apraxia of speech is a motor speech planning problem where the brain has difficulty planning and programming the movements needed for articulate speech. Because of this, speech errors are inconsistent and speakers often show articulatory groping as they try to position the tongue, lips, and jaw. Importantly, there is no true weakness of the articulatory muscles, so strength is typically preserved. It’s not caused by hearing loss or by respiratory issues—those would affect perception or breathing, not the planning of speech movements.