Motor Speech Disorders

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Motor Speech Disorder Evaluation and Therapy Services in the Black Hills

Comprehensive Evaluation & Treatment for Speech Movement, Coordination, and Motor Planning

Motor speech disorders occur when there are challenges with the planning, coordination, strength, speed, or accuracy of the movements needed for clear speech production. Because speech requires precise coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, vocal system, and respiratory system, changes in the nervous system can impact how speech sounds are produced.

At DSSC, we provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment for children and adults with motor speech disorders, including childhood apraxia of speech, acquired apraxia of speech, and dysarthria.

Our approach focuses on understanding the underlying cause of speech difficulties and developing functional strategies to improve speech clarity, communication effectiveness, and confidence.

Services are available in person at our Rapid City clinic and through telehealth options when appropriate.

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Common Signs of a Motor Speech Disorder

Individuals may benefit from evaluation if they experience:

  • Speech that is difficult to understand

  • Inconsistent speech errors

  • Difficulty coordinating speech movements

  • Slurred or effortful speech

  • Changes in speech following neurological injury

  • Difficulty being understood by familiar or unfamiliar listeners

  • Frustration related to communication breakdowns

  • Reduced confidence communicating in daily situations

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Evaluations to Get to the Root of the Issue

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Our Process

A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether speech challenges are related to motor planning, motor execution, coordination, or other communication factors.

Our evaluation may include assessment of:

  • Speech intelligibility

  • Oral motor coordination and movement patterns

  • Speech sound accuracy and consistency

  • Rate, rhythm, and prosody

  • Strength, tone, and range of movement

  • Coordination of breathing, voicing, and articulation

  • Receptive and expressive language skills

  • Functional communication needs across home, school, work, and community settings

Following evaluation, we develop an individualized treatment plan based on the individual’s communication goals, diagnosis, strengths, and functional needs.

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Motor Speech Concerns We Evaluate & Treat

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Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder in which children have difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed for speech. The child knows what they want to say but has difficulty organizing the movements required to produce speech sounds and words accurately.

Common characteristics may include:

  • Inconsistent speech sound errors

  • Difficulty imitating sounds or words

  • Increased difficulty with longer or more complex words

  • Limited speech intelligibility

  • Difficulty with sound sequencing

  • Groping or trial-and-error movements when attempting speech

  • Differences in stress, rhythm, or intonation patterns

Treatment focuses on principles of motor learning, frequent practice, and individualized strategies to improve speech movement planning and coordination.

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Acquired Apraxia of Speech (AOS)

Acquired apraxia of speech occurs when a person who previously had typical speech abilities develops difficulty planning and coordinating speech movements due to neurological changes.

Common causes may include:

  • Stroke

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Brain injury or neurological events

  • Other neurological conditions

Individuals may experience:

  • Difficulty initiating speech

  • Inconsistent speech errors

  • Effortful speech production

  • Difficulty sequencing sounds

  • Changes in speech rhythm or prosody

  • Reduced speech clarity

Treatment focuses on rebuilding speech motor planning skills, improving communication effectiveness, and developing strategies to support daily communication.

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Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by weakness, reduced coordination, altered muscle tone, or difficulty controlling the muscles used for speech.

Dysarthria may affect:

  • Breathing support for speech

  • Voice quality

  • Speech rate

  • Articulation precision

  • Loudness

  • Speech intelligibility

Common signs may include:

  • Slurred speech

  • Reduced speech clarity

  • Weak or quiet voice

  • Slow or rapid speech rate

  • Changes in pitch or vocal quality

  • Increased effort when speaking

Dysarthria may occur following:

  • Stroke

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Other neurological conditions

Treatment focuses on improving speech intelligibility, optimizing communication strategies, and supporting participation in daily life.

We’re accepting new clients for speech therapy in Rapid City, SD

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