Symptom 5: The Paradox of Fluent Automatic Speech
Here’s a paradox that baffles even seasoned linguists – the fluency in automatic speech displayed by those with AOS. These individuals often flawlessly deliver automatic speech like greetings, days of the week, or counting, despite struggling with voluntary speech.
It’s like a dancer struggling with a rehearsed performance but flawlessly executing an impromptu routine. AOS individuals can say, “How are you?” perfectly but may fumble when trying to express complex thoughts. It’s an intriguing dichotomy that adds to the complexities of this speech disorder.
Imagine an expert driver who flawlessly maneuvers through city traffic but struggles to navigate an empty parking lot. This fluency in automatic speech amidst difficulties in voluntary speech serves as a significant symptom of AOS.
So, when you notice a stark contrast between someone’s automatic and voluntary speech, it’s not always a matter of overthinking or nervousness. It could be a symptom of AOS – like an actor acing their lines off-stage but struggling during the actual performance.(5)
