Which statement about language abilities helps differentiate AOS from other disorders?

Which statement about language abilities helps differentiate AOS from other disorders?

• A. A difference between expressive and receptive language abilities is usually found in disorders other than AOS.
• B. AOS typically shows a large expressive-receptive gap.
• C. Language is always normal in AOS.
• D. Language differences are essential for diagnosing AOS.

Answer: (A)

AOS is defined by a motor planning/problem in producing speech, while language content and understanding are typically preserved. Because of that, you don’t usually see a clear split between what someone can understand (receptive) and what they can express (expressive) due to the motor nature of the issue. In many other language disorders, like aphasia, a gap between expressive and receptive abilities is common, so recognizing that mismatch helps differentiate them from AOS. This is why the statement about there typically being a difference in expressive versus receptive language in disorders other than AOS is the best choice. The other options misrepresent AOS: language is not always normal (it can co-occur with language disorders), AOS does not characteristically show a large expressive-receptive gap, and language differences are not essential for diagnosing AOS since the diagnosis centers on motor speech symptoms.

AOS is defined by a motor planning/problem in producing speech, while language content and understanding are typically preserved. Because of that, you don’t usually see a clear split between what someone can understand (receptive) and what they can express (expressive) due to the motor nature of the issue. In many other language disorders, like aphasia, a gap between expressive and receptive abilities is common, so recognizing that mismatch helps differentiate them from AOS. This is why the statement about there typically being a difference in expressive versus receptive language in disorders other than AOS is the best choice. The other options misrepresent AOS: language is not always normal (it can co-occur with language disorders), AOS does not characteristically show a large expressive-receptive gap, and language differences are not essential for diagnosing AOS since the diagnosis centers on motor speech symptoms.