If language testing shows intact syntax and semantics but motor speech errors persist, what does this suggest?

• A. Pure language impairment with no motor involvement.
• B. AOS co-occurring with intact language, supporting motor planning impairment.
• C. Dysarthria with no language involvement.
• D. Cognitive impairment only.

Answer: (B)

This pattern shows a dissociation between language formulation and motor speech planning: syntax and semantics are preserved, but the motor programming for speech is disrupted. When the language system remains intact yet motor speech errors persist, it points to apraxia of speech, a motor planning impairment, rather than a pure language problem. In apraxia of speech, the brain has trouble planning and sequencing the movements needed to articulate words, so speech can be distorted or choppy even though the speaker knows what they want to say. This distinction helps separate it from a pure language impairment (which would affect syntax/semantics) or from a pure execution problem like dysarthria (which would involve broader motor-speech execution issues).