Motor Speech & Stuttering
Speech production is a highly complex and rapid process that begins in the brain, and ends with lips, tongue, palate, voice, and respiratory system working in concert to generate the sounds of speech. Stringing together the sounds that make up a word is something that we often take granted until it is altered, and we suddenly find it difficult to order in a drive-thru or use the phone. Speech production problems may affect the amount of effort, energy, and time required to speak, as well as the intelligibility of the words being produced. These problems can also lead to social and emotional consequences as the speaker and their listeners react to the speech changes. Ultimately, the impact of speech production problems may negatively impact self-image, the ability to carry out daily activities, and earn a living.
What causes speech problems?
Speech production problems may stem from a wide array of sources - sudden neurologic injury, such as head trauma or stroke, as well as slowly developing neuromuscular disease such as Parkinson Disease. Disruptions in speech production can also be related to pharmaceuticals and developmental processes.
Conditions of Sudden Onset: Brain Trauma, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) & others
Developmental Conditions: Stuttering, Cluttering, Developmental Apraxia, & others
Congenital Conditions: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, & others
Progressive Neuromuscular Diseases: Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amytotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), & others
Will it get better?
Depending on the cause of a speech production problem, prognosis for improvement will vary. In some cases, where speech itself is extremely effortful or labored such as in the case of progressive neurologic disease, the goal of therapy is not only to maximize speech signal, but to assure that individuals have a way to communicate with family - whether through text, words, pictures, or gesture. In some cases, individuals may benefit from augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) assistance such as symbols, gesture, or other means. In all cases, a priority on effective communication is held, and the most effective and efficient methods for that individual are explored.
What does therapy involve?
Therapy entails a detailed analysis of each person's particular speech signal, including sound inventory, voice analysis as necessary, movement analysis, intelligibility assessment, neurologic oral motor assessment and medical history review. In addition, a comprehensive initial assessment incorporates each person's own personal priorities to tailor a program that helps them achieve their unique goals. For all clients, therapy will always involve home-based daily practice assignments to keep progress moving forward. If your goal is to speak smoothly at a conference table, or to simply make your restaurant order successfully, there are specific and research-developed techniques that CAN make your speech better, clearer, and smoother.
