Which statement best describes the relationship between AMR and SMR in AOS?

• A. AMR is better than SMR.
• B. SMR is better than AMR.
• C. AMR and SMR are equivalent.
• D. Both are typically normal in AOS.

Answer: (A)

In apraxia of speech, the challenge is with planning and programming the sequence of movements needed for speech. Tasks that require sequencing different articulators across multiple syllables place a higher demand on motor planning than just repeating the same syllable rapidly. Because the disorder primarily disrupts planning of sequences, performance on sequential motion rate is more impaired—slower, more errorful, and less consistent—than performance on alternating motion rate, which uses a single repetitive movement. So the typical pattern is that AMR is better (faster and more accurate) than SMR in AOS. The other statements don’t fit because they either reverse the relationship, claim equal impairment, or suggest normal performance, which isn’t characteristic of AOS.