When you have Apraxia, you can prepare yourself for upcoming conversations. Many people self rehearse their speech in their brains, hoping it will help them say what they want to say. However, when we are asked something in conversation, we can go off our inner dialogue script and have increased speech difficulties.
Why is it easier?
The reason I believe why well-rehearsed speech is more easier than expected speech is because we are going based on a script in our minds. However, if we are taken off of this script, this can result in increased speech difficulties. Expected speech can lead to increased pressure and feelings of nervousness and anxiety.
I notice gaps in my child’s talking, is that normal?
Many people will observe their child or themselves with Apraxia having a gap in between questions, sentences, and words; this is because their brain is trying to formulate the speech. If we had self rehearsed it before making other conversations, we would have most likely not had increased difficulties. However, if there is increased pressure on a conversation, this can also lead to increase speech difficulties.
It’s okay to take time on expected speech.
Many children, teenagers, and adults with Apraxia may avoid conversations for this reason; they don’t want to have more difficulties when it comes to expected speech. However, I encourage the opposite. You are allowed to take your time to let your brain to formulate what you want to say. I know it’s easier said than done, but avoidance only works for so long.