Supporting Speech When Apraxia and Stuttering Co-Exist
- Lori Melnitsky
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
by Lori Melnitsky MA CCC-SLP
When apraxia of speech and stuttering occur together, therapy needs to treat both the motor-planning challenges and the speech-flow challenges—without overwhelming the child.
The goal is clarity, confidence, and consistency, not perfection.
Here are practical, gentle principles that work well for this dual profile:
1. Slow the System Down: Both apraxia and stuttering benefit from reduced rate. - - Model slow, connected speech - Build in brief pauses before words or phrases. It is good for the child to hear, Slowing gives the brain time to plan and execute.
2. Focus on Motor Planning : - Repetitive practice of functional words and phrases - Visual and tactile cues (mirrors, touch cues, mouth shapes) -
Choose meaningful phrases (e.g., “I want ___,” “Can I have ___?”) so practice feels purposeful.
3. Use Gentle Onsets Without Pressure For stuttering, think ease rather than “don’t stutter.” - Soft starts - encouragement-praise
Keep it calm and supportive—avoid making speech feel like a test.
4. Separate Practice From Performance Create two clear spaces: - Practice time: structured, slow, supported - Talking time: free, natural, no correction without therapist guidance.
This prevents children from feeling constantly monitored and pressured.
5. -Reduce language Demands- Too many cues at once can overload motor planning. - Work on one goal at a time - Keep language simple - Use short, predictable routines
6. Coach Parents and Teachers Consistency matters. Teach adults to: - Slow their own speech - Wait patiently - Praise communication, not just clarity
The environment becomes part of therapy.
When these two conditions coexist, progress is often slower—but it is absolutely expected. With rhythm, repetition, supportive therapist who understands stuttering and motor planning, children learn to talk smooth and connected.
Lori Melnitsky owns All Island Speech and Stuttering Therapy
Lori overcame severe stuttering, is a stuttering specialist and prompt certified.
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