{"id":8271,"date":"2019-07-31T10:50:38","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T10:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=8271"},"modified":"2021-06-16T19:43:48","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T19:43:48","slug":"14-ways-to-manage-apraxia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-ways-to-manage-apraxia\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Ways to Manage Apraxia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Apraxia can turn the world upside down for those who suffer from the condition, loved ones, and caretakers. There are significant challenges associated with apraxia, which makes speech and communication difficulties. However, there are many ways to cope with the condition and to communicate with loved ones more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to slow down and use patience when trying to have a conversation with someone with apraxia. In addition, there are technologies that simulate speech that can give people with apraxia the confidence to have a regular conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speech therapy can also help people improve their speech to the degree that they can and compensating for disabilities that can slur speech. Support groups can help people with apraxia receive validation and speak with others who have the same challenges they do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a variety of techniques to aid communication can help people with apraxia lead happy and fulfilled lives. 
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1. Break It Down–In Speech and Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When speaking with someone who has apraxia<\/a>, it is essential to slow down. Avoid conversations that may seem harried or stressed. If you take the time for mindful, focused conversation, it can be easier for the person with apraxia to speak and easier to understand what they are saying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the apraxia is not confined to speech but other motor abilities, slow down the same way you would relate to speaking. Break down sentences and break down tasks into parts. When you plan any type of activity, think of sections of it as milestones and move from point A to point B gradually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, with speaking, the person with apraxia should be encouraged to break own thoughts into mini-sentences or phrases and move on when the previous phrase has been fully understood. That is why it is important to take the time to do or say what needs to be done when someone has apraxia. 
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2. Stress Relief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not being able to communicate easily through speech can be stressful and frustrating. Whether someone has had apraxia all of their lives or has suddenly developed the condition because of a stroke or a brain injury, the mounting stress <\/a>resulting from challenges in communication can wear down one\u2019s will and compromise self-confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is essential for those with apraxia to find some outlet for stress, whether it is sports, mediation or a hobby. In addition, staying physically active can help someone compensate for difficulties in other areas, such as speech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pursuing an interest or an activity that does not require speech can get the apraxia sufferer\u2019s mind off of the constant challenge posed by speech. In addition, participating in a sport or dance can help one connect with others without having to have a full conversation. Having a workout can also make the body stronger and make it easier to overcome the physical challenges involved with apraxia. 
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3. Speech Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Apraxia can be the result of a genetic problem that a child is born with or it can be developed later on in life if someone suffers from a stroke or a brain injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the former case, a child may never have developed regular speech abilities, whereas, with the latter situation, a person may have spoken normally all of their lives only to find that they suddenly are not able to pronounce words the way they once did. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of how apraxia appeared or developed, speech therapy<\/a> is useful in improving one\u2019s skills and enabling people with apraxia to speak to the best of their abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people can experience dramatic improvement with speech therapy to the point where any trace of apraxia may disappear in a matter of months or years whereas others may make modest but consistent improvements or at least find ways to compensate for speech issues. 
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4. Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Apraxia can affect not only speech but can have implications for the development of motor skills<\/a>. However, some types are mainly confined to speech, and if this is the case, devices can be quite useful in helping people with apraxia communicate more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a wide range of apps and devices that can either simulate voice or allow people with apraxia to communicate spontaneously through the written word. There are even ways people can communicate through voice by moving their eyes, or at least, one can find devices that can correct speech errors simultaneously with speech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to create a voice that can be used for phone calls and even while doing simple errands such as grocery shopping. This technology is no replacement for physical therapy that can strengthen the vocal organs, but these devices can help. 
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5. Focused Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you focus and hone in on communication, you may find that less is more. This is particularly important in the case of apraxia<\/a>, which can make speech difficult to interpret. However, it isn\u2019t impossible to figure out what someone with this speech impairment is saying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apraxia is not the absence of speech but is characterized by the inability to distinguish between one syllable and the other or slurred speech. With focused communication, and by slowing down and paying full attention, you can communicate successfully with apraxia sufferers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a question of putting more intention in your speech, looking directly at the other person, shutting off distracting background music or noise and avoid looking at your phone in the middle of the conversation. If you give a person with apraxia your full attention and slow down, communication can be successful. 
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6. Support Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One side effect of conditions like apraxia is that people who suffer from it can become socially isolated. The inability to speak easily with non-apraxia sufferers can lead to such frustration that people who deal with the condition may be tempted to spend more time alone, whether they wish to or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A support group<\/a> for apraxia sufferers can have multiple benefits. It can help apraxia sufferers practice speaking and expressing themselves in an environment where they will not be judged or get stares based on the way they speak. In addition, other apraxia suffers who are experienced with the condition may be more likely to understand them on a consistent basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A support group can help give people with apraxia validation and support from people who understand fully what they are going through. Friendships that develop in such a supportive environment are healthy and can be sustained for the long-term. 
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7. Social Media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Social media<\/a> has been a revolutionary change in the 21st century. This is true for everyone but is especially true for those with apraxia and other speech impairments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that so much of our communication nowadays is online through typing status updates and texts and posting pictures and videos means that speech is just one way among many to communicate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms represent a sea change in the lives of people who would otherwise become isolated by their speech problems. In addition, social media is a great opportunity to raise awareness about issues, such as care for apraxia sufferers and for crowdsourcing and finding answers for valuable questions about living with the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Errands can be a challenge for people with apraxia, and researching ahead of time through social media can make these errands easier. 
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8. Focus on Other Abilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If a child is diagnosed at an early age with apraxia, the parents may wonder about their child\u2019s quality of life in the future and if she or he will be accepted by a peer group or be able to participate in popular activities such as sports, dance or music groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a good idea to help a child with apraxia develop his or her abilities early on to give them a feeling of confidence and fulfillment from activities that do not require speech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, if apraxia is developed later in life through a stroke or an injury, it may be useful to convince the apraxia sufferer to engage in activities he or she may enjoy that does not involve speaking. Someone who finds it difficult speaking late in life may re-visit activities such as painting, music <\/a>or dance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apraxia can be a huge change in one\u2019s life if it appears suddenly in the aftermath of a stroke or an accident. Suddenly losing one\u2019s ability to speak clearly can be a blow to the ego and can create a feeling of powerlessness. However, there are many ways family and friends can help people with apraxia lead something as close to normal life as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning to speak more slowly and in a focused manner can be greatly helpful. Speech therapy and technology can create dramatic improvement. Social media can assist people with apraxia to reach out and find others in the same situation, and support groups can also be helpful in this sense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children who are diagnosed with apraxia young can be encouraged to participate in activities that will emphasize their strengths and help them go to the next level. Apraxia can be difficult but it does not have to be debilitating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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