Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

A clinician evaluates a patient with aphasia and apraxia of speech. What is the MOST IMPORTANT consideration when planning treatment?

1. Adopting a linguistic approach to treatment

2. Considering contributions of both disorders to communication deficits

3. Adopting a motor approach to treatment

4. Identifying alternative forms of communication

The correct answer is: Considering contributions of both disorders to communication deficits

When treating a patient with both aphasia and apraxia of speech, it is essential to consider how each disorder affects communication. Both conditions have distinct features: aphasia primarily impacts language processing and comprehension, while apraxia affects motor planning and the ability to produce speech sounds accurately. By understanding how these two disorders interact, the clinician can tailor treatment strategies that address the specific challenges the patient faces. This comprehensive approach ensures that the treatment plan is holistic and considers all aspects of the individual's communication deficits, which can enhance the effectiveness of intervention. In contrast, while adopting either a linguistic or motor approach to treatment may be beneficial, these strategies should be secondary to an understanding of how the combined impact of both disorders manifests in the patient's communication. Identifying alternative forms of communication could also be helpful, but it should not replace the need to prioritize and integrate both aspects when planning for treatment. Treating each disorder in isolation without recognizing their interplay may lead to less effective outcomes.