Manifestation and diagnosis of motor speech disorders

Many topics of historical importance to the field of motor speech disorders continue to receive considerable attention. Researchers continue to identify the speech characteristics of various patient populations with dysarthria and apraxia of speech and to explore the relationships between site of anatomic lesion and speech characteristics. Increasingly, instrumental analysis, including both acoustic and physiologic measurement techniques, is being applied to the assessment and treatment of motor speech disorders. A number of case reports and group treatment studies document treatment efficacy. In addition, variables, such as cognitive function and psychosocial factors, are being explored because of their potential influence on speaker performance and treatment outcomes.