What is the Difference Between Apraxia and Autism?

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Apraxia and autism are two entirely different neurological disorders which can

occur in a child independtly of one another, or together in the same child. 

While

autism's symptoms can impact and impair many different systems, behaviors,

and thought patterns, apraxia occurs when the child struggles to plan and carry

out voluntary physical movements.

 

In terms of gross motor skills, apraxia may impact a child's capabilities to

stand

up, sit in a chair, or catch a ball with fine motor skills, a child may not be

able

to zip up a jacket, button a shirt, write or print, or even point at an object.

 

Children with apraxia may also struggle to produce sound patterns to make words,

or even coordinate the various speech mechanisms to make the individual speech

sounds such as the difference between a " g " and a " b " sound, or the hum of an

" m " sound.  Even when a sound is modeled, a child with apraxia may not be able

to

mimic the same sound.

 

However, though these symptoms may also cross over into autism, there remain

important differences between the two conditions.  For example, when a child has

only apraxia it is only the motor functioning and not the social and emotional

skills

that are impacted, as is often not the case with autism.

 

Apraxia and autism can become difficult to tell from one another when the child

is

exhibiting symptoms of verbal apraxia (officially known as oral-motor apraxia). 

The

reason for this is that children with either condition can be very aware of

their struggle

to communicate verabally, and therefore they may choose to avoid having to talk

by

staying away from social situations.  However, in the case of verbal apraxia, if

you

play with your child and don't demand speech from him or her, you may find that

they

being playing actively and engage others in their play.

 

The child usually experiences relief from being able to socialize and have

contact with

others without being required to talk, which is frustrating for them and can

create a fear

of failure.  Often, with these children, when they are allowed to select the

type of play

and are allowed to go without having to speak, the relief and comfort they feel

can make

them more open to accepting the slow introduction of new sounds and syllables,

which

may eventually bring about simple words into their favorite games and play.

Encouragement to vocalize or verbalize should be gentle in both apraxia and

autism,

and should be gradual, tailored to the pace of the success rather than to a

schedule.

 

In both motor apraxia and autism, children show social interaction problems, but

in the

case of motor apraxia, this is normally because they are not always capable of

performing the physical movements that allows them access to others.  However,

motor

apraxia won't usually make a child want to avoid a social interaction

altogether, such

as failing to make eye contact, or specifically moving away from other people.

 

It is easy to see why there is so much confusion between apraxia and autism

spectrum

disorders.  Especially considering children with these conditions can also

exhibit signs

of over-reactivity to sensations.  However, there are differences between the

two and it

is important to speak to your doctor or a specialist if you are unsure.  Your

doctor will

be able to determine which condiition your child may have, or if both are

present.

 

 

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