The core sequence in Darley's approach includes initiating speech activities followed by what?

The core sequence in Darley's approach includes initiating speech activities followed by what?

• A. Automatic responses
• B. Verbal repetition only
• C. Silent counting
• D. Nonverbal gestures

Answer: (A)

In Darley’s approach, you start by asking the person to initiate speech, then move to automatic responses. The reason is that automatic responses—like well-practiced counting or days of the week—rely on overlearned sequences and are easier to produce when volitional speech planning is impaired. If initiating speech is difficult but automatic verbal sequences can be produced, this points to a disruption in the planning of new speech rather than a basic language problem or muscle weakness. Verbal repetition still requires planning of a new sequence, silent counting is just one example of an automatic task, and nonverbal gestures don’t address spoken language production in this framework.

In Darley’s approach, you start by asking the person to initiate speech, then move to automatic responses. The reason is that automatic responses—like well-practiced counting or days of the week—rely on overlearned sequences and are easier to produce when volitional speech planning is impaired. If initiating speech is difficult but automatic verbal sequences can be produced, this points to a disruption in the planning of new speech rather than a basic language problem or muscle weakness. Verbal repetition still requires planning of a new sequence, silent counting is just one example of an automatic task, and nonverbal gestures don’t address spoken language production in this framework.