Apraxia and autism spectrum disorder ASD

Abstract

This article, Apraxia and autism spectrum disorder focuses on detailing apraxia symptomatology with the main elements of this pathology. In the first part of the article terminology is approached, distinguishing between apraxia and dyspraxia. In the second part of the article the main symptomatology apraxia features are discussed and afterward they are put in relation with the ASD. In order to be able to identify the best way to approach apraxia in ASD context three research questions are raised: In what degree does the combination between ASD and apraxia slow down speech and language development? Which are the most frequent speech and language difficulties and causes which lead to the association of ASD with apraxia? Which are the most efficient intervention programs in the context of ASD associated with apraxia? To these three research questions answers are found by a deep and thorough theoretical investigation of the main studies and research in this field, results being discussed from the point of view of the way speech and language therapy field in Romania can approach apraxia in ASD contex.