Sometimes the word is right there — and your mouth won't make it. That's apraxia of speech, and it is not the same thing as aphasia. Apraxia practice works on the movements themselves.
You choose target sounds and a difficulty level, then work with clear models: listen, watch the cues, and say it together — slowly, deliberately, again.
Aphasia is a language problem: finding words, understanding them. Apraxia is a motor-planning problem: the brain knows the word but can't reliably send the mouth the instructions. Many stroke survivors have both, which is confusing for everyone — including, sometimes, their care team. The practice is different too: word-finding exercises won't fix a motor-planning problem. Research on apraxia treatment consistently points to the same ingredients — modeling, repetition, and starting at a level where you can succeed.
Aphasia affects language — finding and understanding words. Apraxia of speech affects the motor planning of speaking — the mouth won't reliably execute the word the brain has ready. They often occur together after stroke, but they call for different practice.
Evidence-based apraxia treatment centers on hearing and watching clear models, deliberate slow repetition, and practicing at the level (sounds, syllables, words) where you can succeed — then building up.
▶ Apraxia practice is ready in your browser — no download, works on iPad, tablet, phone, or computer. New here? A free Aphasia Studio account takes one minute, no credit card. Built by a speech therapist who has spent over a decade working only with adults recovering from stroke and brain injury.