Dysarthria Speech Therapy

What is Dysarthria?

Dysarthria is a condition in which there is poor control or loss of control of the muscles used in speech. Individuals with dysarthria may have weaked muscles and present with “slurred” speech sounds and demonstrate decreased speech intelligibility.  Their rate of speech may be unusually slow.

In children, dysarthria often appears alongside other diagnoses such as Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy. Dysarthria in adults is often a symptom following illness or injury, such as a stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Parkwood clinicians have training in dysarthria to help improve communication as a result of this condition. Speech therapy goals might include adjusting speech rate, strengthening muscles, increasing breath support, improving articulation and improving communication with family members and caregivers.

In some cases, clients with these difficulties are encouraged to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to enhance their ability to communicate and get desires and needs met.