Can Dysarthria be treated?
Dysarthria is the medical term for slurred speech. Treatment depends on the cause of the Dysarthria. If Dysarthria is caused by a stroke or head injury, it can improve with Online Speech Therapy. If it caused by a neurological disorder that can become worse over time (a progressive disorder), such as Motor Neurone Disease, it is likely to get worse. However, Speech Therapy can support with strategies and assistive devices in these circumstances.
Dysarthria is the medical term for slurred speech. Speech Therapy Treatment for Dyarthria depends on the cause of the Dysarthria. If Dysarthria is caused by a stroke or head injury, it can improve with Speech Therapy. If it caused by a neurological disorder, that worsens over time (a progressive disorder), such as Motor Neurone Disease, it is likely to get worse. However, in these circumstances, Speech Therapy can also support you with strategies and assistive devices.
For Dysarthria due to Parkinson’s disease, there are recommended intensive treatments called Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) or Speak out! We have trained and certified clinicians that can provide both treatments.
What Assessments do you use in Dysarthria?
We typically start treatment with a standardised assessment for Dysarthria. These assessments look at different aspects of your speech such as your breath support for speech, volume, intonation, voice and how clear your speech is to a listener. It is important to complete an assessment to identify the areas that are impacting on your speech so that we can focus on improving these specific impairments.
What is Goal setting in Dysarthria?
We discuss with you how your Dysarthria is impacting on your day-to-day life and set personal meaningful goals to improve your speech. Goal setting is proven to improve motivation for therapy and mood. These goals will be realistic, achievable and will be reviewed after a short block of therapy.
Dysarthria Therapy may include
- Working with you and your loved ones to make communication easier
- Exercises focusing on improving the clarity of your speech
- Alternative ways of communication to support your speech
- Biofeedback of recordings to raise your awareness of your speech
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Dysarthria & Voice treatments. Arrange a free 15 minute consultation or email thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com
What is Speak out! What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD)?
Speak out and LSVT Loud are intensive Speech Therapy treatments for Parkinsons disease focusing on improving voice and volume. They both have a strong evidence that they are effective treatments.
What is Speak Out! ® & Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) loud for Parkinson’s Disease?
Speak out ! ® and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) ® are intensive Speech Therapy treatments for Parkinson’s disease focusing on improving voice and volume. They both have a strong evidence that they are effective treatments. Both are seen as the best Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease. Certification is provided to Speech and Language Therapists following a training program. Our Speech and Language Therapists are certified in both treatment Techniques and have experience of providing these treatments online with effective results.
How can Parkinson’s Disease affect speech?
Parkinson’s disease can cause people to talk quietly, have reduced variation in pitch and a hoarse voice. People with Parkinson’s Disease are often not aware that they are talking quietly - we need to work with you to recaliberate your sensory feedback to raise your awareness of your loudness, improve voice projection and reduce effort in conversation.
What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT loud)® for Parkinson’s Disease ?
LSVT loud ® stands for Lee Silverman Voice Technique. It is a technique that improves loudness for people with Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown it can also be used in a variety of neurological conditions to improve Speech.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ® (LSVT Loud) focuses on increasing loudness. Research has also shown improvements in swallowing and articulation. LSVT requires an assessment session, and 12 therapy sessions, at 60 minutes each.
What is Speak Out® for Parkinson’s Disease ?
Speak out! was developed by the Parkinson’s Disease Project. It focuses on producing a stronger, clearer voice. It focuses on the concept of intent and strengthens the muscles used for speaking. Speak out! ® requires 8-10 sessions, at 45 minutes each. It can be easier for people to fit Speak out! ® into their daily life, and it can reduce overall cost of treatment. Speak out! provided a free training workbook for clients.
Once treatment is complete, the Parkinson’s Disease project hold LOUD crowd groups and free Facebook practice sessions. This is important in maintaining the gains in therapy.
We offer both SPEAK OUT!® and LSVT loud ® with certified clinicians
Click on the contact us button to arrange a free consultation or send us an email for more information regarding our reasonable fees for Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease.