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It is believed that approximately, 60% of classic galactosemic children have speech problems. Problems range from mild to moderate or severe. One type of speech disorder that has been associated with classic galactosemia is apraxia of speech, often referred to as dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is not a developmental delay of speech (see footnote). It is considered a "motor speech disorder".

Verbal dyspraxia is defined below:

Verbal Dyspraxia: A sensory motor disorder of articulation characterized by impaired capacity to plan the positioning of speech musculature and muscle movements for the production of speech sounds.

While it is primarily an articulation disorder, there are a number of other related communication problems associated with dyspraxia, such as: problems of syntax (word order), language organization, and pragmatics (set of rules governing conversation). (note-Reading, writing, spelling, and spatial awareness can also be affected.)

If you suspect that your child has this disorder, or some other speech problem, have your child evaluated as soon as possible. The sooner speech therapy is started for a child who needs it, the better. Hearing tests are usually performed first to rule out any kind of hearing impairment. If your child's hearing has been checked, and a hearing problem has been ruled out as a cause for speech problems, have your child evaluated by a qualified speech pathologist. You may be able to find a qualified speech pathologist through your local school system (early intervention program.) If you suspect dyspraxia, be sure to find a speech language pathologist who is qualified, and has experience with diagnosing and treating a motor speech disorder (or oral motor function disorder). To find out more about dyspraxia and what things to consider in getting a speech evaluation, the following web sites describes much more in detail.