What can nonspeech tasks tell us about speech motor disabilities?

This paper considers the possible role of nonspeech tasks in theassessment of individuals with motor speech disorders. The difficulties in the definition and isolation of both speech and nonspeech tasks are discussed. A primary point is that an inability to control the movements of the speech structures may be separate from an inability or ability to use the processes that code meaning in the construction of linguistic messages. It may be possible to design nonspeech tasks that provide insight into an individual’s ability or inability to control speech movements, but are separate from his or her ability to use language.