Dysarthria Therapy

At the Goshen Speech and Hearing Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders. Our goal is to improve patient speech articulation and communication with others for a better and more fulfilling quality of life. Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs after neurological damage. This condition affects the muscles and articulators necessary for making speech sounds. People with dysarthria may demonstrate mumbled speech, varied speech rates, changes in voice quality, and reduced articulatory movement. Drooling, chewing, and swallowing issues may also be present. Dysarthria treatment is directed at treating the underlying cause of the condition, which may improve overall speech production. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms and the type of dysarthria you have. Speech-language pathologists can help patients with dysarthria by improving speech rates, using louder speech methods, and practicing safe swallowing techniques. Our speech-language therapists are LSVT LOUD and PROMPT certified. LSVT LOUD is a proven treatment method used for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders to improve the loudness of speech. PROMPT is an effective treatment approach for communication disorders that improves motor control of the articulators and the development of the oral muscular movements necessary for speech. Patients are commonly non-verbal children, have motor speech disorders, or have articulation problems. Patients with conditions who have benefitted from PROMPT therapy include:

• Aphasia
• Apraxia/dyspraxia
• Dysarthria
• Pervasive developmental disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Acquired brain injuries
• Autism spectrum disorders

Speech and language therapy can help patients regain normal speech and improve communication. Dysarthria therapy goals might include adjusting speech rate, increasing breath support, strengthening oral musculature, exaggerating articulation, and improving intelligibility to communicate with others. Alternative treatments to improve communication include various technological devices. These methods can include gestures, visual cues, alphabet boards, or computer-based technology. For dysarthria that is caused by prescription medications, changing or discontinuing the medications may help. Our specialists at the Goshen Speech and Hearing Center provide dysarthria therapy for both children and adults. Contact our office by calling (845) 294-0661 to schedule an appointment.