Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by weakness or lack of coordination in the muscles responsible for speech production, often resulting from neurological conditions like stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson’s disease. Speech therapy can help individuals with dysarthria by providing exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in speech, improving articulation, breath control, and voice quality. Therapists may also teach strategies to enhance communication, such as speaking slowly, using exaggerated mouth movements, or utilizing alternative communication methods to ensure clarity and effective speech.
Speech therapy for dysarthria
Speech therapy supports individuals with dysarthria by strengthening speech muscles, improving articulation, and teaching strategies to enhance clarity and communication.
​
Key Therapy Approaches:
-
·Breathing Exercises: Helps improve breath control for stronger and more controlled speech.
-
·Articulation Therapy: Focuses on improving clarity by practicing correct pronunciation of sounds and words.
-
·Pitch and Intonation Practice: Strengthens voice control and helps improve the natural rhythm of speech.
-
·Slow Speech Techniques: Encourages speaking more slowly and deliberately for better intelligibility.
-
·Strengthening Exercises: Targets facial and oral muscles to improve speech production and coordination.
-
·Resonance Therapy: Addresses issues with nasal speech by adjusting airflow and resonance patterns.
-
·Alternative Communication Methods: Uses tools like communication boards or devices when speech is severely impaired.
Adults seek speech therapy for dysarthria for various real-life reasons, including:
-
Improve speech clarity and articulation.
-
Strengthen communication muscles for better control and coordination.
-
Enhance voice control and improve pitch, volume, and tone.
-
Regain effective communication skills after conditions like stroke or brain injury.
-
Increase confidence in social and professional interactions.
-
Use alternative communication methods when speech is severely impaired.
Ready to start online speech therapy?
