Although identifying descriptions of apraxia are numerous in recent literature, few articles present guidelines for apraxia therapy. In this paper, several therapeutic techniques for apraxia are introduced and discussed. Sequencing of speech sounds is recognized as the apraxic patient's most characteristic problem. Rapid repetition of consonant plus /a/, build-up of speech sounds into syllables, and word attack by phone and syllable are all recommended for the purpose of improving sequencing. Facilitation techniques are discussed for the acquisition of articulatory postures. Case histories are presented to illustrate the therapy approach.

Contrary to most hypotheses that suttering and anxiety are positively correlated, some evidence suggests that stuttering reduces stress. This investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of stuttering on level of systolic blood pressure. Sixteen adult male stutterers were measured before and after stress (electroshock) in each of five treatments: high stuttering, low stuttering, chewing, finger tapping, and time. Systolic blood pressure for the high-stuttering level was significantly lower for 15 of the 16 subjects than were the values for low stuttering, chewing, finger tapping, and time. These results indicate that stuttering can reduce stress-elevated systolic blood pressure.

Investigation was made of personal characteristics correlated with effective esophageal speech. A test battery and questionnaire were administered to 30 laryngectomees. Ss were dichotomized into “good” and “poor” speakers by judgments of taped speech samples. The performances of these two groups on the tests were compared by application of t tests. Mean scores of the two groups were statistically different on three measures: SRA Nonverbal Test, Space Visualization Test, and Lip Movement Test (diadochokinetic rate). A Predictive Test Battery was recommended for use in therapy, based on these findings.

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