How is "apraxia of speech" best defined?

"Apraxia of speech" is best defined as a motor speech disorder that impacts the planning and coordination of the movements required for speech production. Individuals with this condition struggle to execute the precise movements necessary for speech, even though their muscles are physically capable of producing the sounds. This disorder often leads to difficulty in initiating speech, as well as inconsistent speech errors, where the same word may be pronounced differently on different attempts. It is important to recognize that apraxia is distinct from slurred speech or language comprehension issues; it specifically involves the motor planning aspect of speech rather than language processing or cognitive impairments. Understanding this distinction helps in diagnosing and treating individuals who present with speech difficulties.