Verbal dyspraxia, sometimes referred to as verbal apraxia (in more severe cases), is a condition of speech that impacts articulation and enunciation of sounds and words. Developmental dyspraxia of speech occurs in children and is present from birth or very early on. Whereas acquired dyspraxia of speech may result from injury, stroke, or illness (most often seen in adults). Dyspraxia of speech is not caused by a weakness or paralysis, per se, but rather it is caused by a neurological abnormality (or damage) of the part of the brain that controls the muscles of the face, tongue, and lips. Research supports genetic factors as the main cause of developmental dyspraxia of speech, though brain injuries are often attributed as well.
Speech/language therapy is often very successful at treating dyspraxia of speech.