Which disorder is primarily a motor speech disorder involving planning and programming of speech movements?

• A. Apraxia of Speech
• B. Dysarthria
• C. Aphasia
• D. Cluttering

Answer: (A)

Planning and programming of speech movements is disrupted in apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder where the brain has trouble sequencing the precise movements needed for speech, even though the muscles themselves are capable. This leads to inconsistent articulation errors, distortions, and groping behaviors, especially on longer or more complex sequences. The errors can be variable and harder to produce on automatic phrases, but worsen with unfamiliar words or rapid speech. Language comprehension and overall communication abilities are typically preserved, highlighting that the issue lies in motor planning rather than language content. Dysarthria, by contrast, results from problems with the neuromuscular execution of speech (weakness, slowness, incoordination), producing more uniform, slurred or imprecise speech and altered voice quality. Aphasia is a language disorder affecting understanding and word use, not a primary motor planning issue. Cluttering involves excessive or rapid speech fluency disruptions, not specifically planning of speech movements.