Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs when the muscles involved in speech production are weakened or impaired. The tongue, vocal folds (chords), and other surrounding muscles are involved which impacts the way a person speaks. This disorder results in slurred or slowed speech, or difficulties with the volume or pitch of their voice.
If you or someone you know is experiencing dysarthria, a Speech Therapist can help. Speech Therapists, also known as Speech-Language Pathologists, are trained professionals who specialize in helping individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. They use a variety of techniques and strategies to help individuals with dysarthria improve their speech and communication skills.
One of the first things a Speech Therapist will do is assess the individual’s speech and language abilities. This may involve evaluating the person’s oral motor skills, such as their ability to move their lips, tongue, and jaw, as well as their ability to produce different sounds. The therapist may also assess the person’s cognitive skills, such as their memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, as these can all impact speech and language production. It is also helpful to rule out any other speech disorders. Some confuse dysarthria with apraxia, however apraxia is an impairment of motor planning rather than muscle weakness. Dysarthria can have a range of causes, including neurological conditions, brain injuries, and even certain medications. It can also occur as a result of aging or degenerative conditions.
Based on the assessment, the Speech Therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs. Treatment for dysarthria may involve a variety of techniques, such as:
- Techniques to improve breath control: Dysarthria can often cause problems with the way a person speaks, such as speaking too softly or too loudly. By improving breath control, the person can learn to regulate the volume and pitch of their voice.
- Strategies to improve articulation: Articulation refers to the way sounds are produced and combined to form words. A Speech Therapist can teach the client techniques to help them produce clearer, more distinct sounds.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques: If the individual’s dysarthria is severe, they may have difficulty speaking at all. In these cases, a Speech Therapist can help the person learn to use AAC techniques, such as gestures or electronic devices, to communicate.
In addition to working on these specific skills, a Speech Therapist may also work with the individual on overall communication strategies, such as how to initiate and maintain conversations, how to listen and respond to others, and how to express their thoughts and needs effectively in spite of having dysarthria.
It’s important to note that dysarthria can be a chronic condition, and treatment may be ongoing. However, with the help of a Speech Therapist, individuals with dysarthria can often improve their speech and communication skills and lead more fulfilling lives.
We’re here to help
If you or someone you know is experiencing dysarthria, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Speech Therapist. They can assess the individual’s needs and develop a treatment plan to help them improve their speech and communication skills. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our speech-pathologists to determine a potential treatment plan that works best for you. With the right support, individuals with dysarthria can reach their speech goals and live a satisfying life despite their disorder.