What describes the speech disorder characterized by abnormalities in speech production due to sensorimotor problems?

The speech disorder characterized by abnormalities in speech production due to sensorimotor problems is dysarthria. This condition arises from neurological injuries or diseases affecting the muscles involved in speech production. Individuals with dysarthria often present with slurred or slowed speech, difficulty in articulating words clearly, and impaired control over the speech mechanism, which can include the lips, tongue, vocal cords, and diaphragm.

In contrast, apraxia involves difficulty in planning and coordinating the motor movements needed for speech, despite having the ability to move the relevant muscles adequately. Stuttering is a fluency disorder that involves disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions or prolongations of sounds or syllables. A speech sound disorder typically refers to difficulties in correctly producing speech sounds, which can stem from articulation or phonological issues rather than sensorimotor problems. Understanding the specific nature and underlying causes of these disorders is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.