Further reading/guidance:
Any questions?
Use this space to note any questions you may have for your Speech and Language Therapist

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS):

' 0118 982 2829
6 0118 982 2905

Email:

Write to: Berkshire West PALS,

57-59 Bath Road, Reading RG30 2BA

Leaflet updated August 2008

H:\Acute & Comm Leaflets 2.2.1

If you have any questions about what you have read in this leaflet, please contact your Speech and Language Therapist:

……………………………………

Speech and Language Therapy Department

Royal Berkshire Hospital

West Drive Buildings, 1st Floor

London Road

Reading RG1 5AN

Tel: 0118 322 5205

Other Speech and Language Therapy Departments in your area:

Community Speech and Language Therapy, University of Reading

Tel: 0118 378 4691

West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham

Tel: 01635 273422

Wokingham Hospital

Tel: 0118 949 5150

Speech and Language Therapy Department

Dysarthria

Information and advice for people experiencing speech difficulties


What is dysarthria?

Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by weakness or paralysis of the oral muscles: the jaw, lips, tongue, and palate (the "roof of your mouth").

Dysarthria happens because some of the nerves involved in speaking and/or breathing are damaged.

Dysarthria may be:

-  present from birth, e.g. cerebral palsy;

-  acquired suddenly, e.g. stroke, head injury;

-  a feature of degenerative disease, e.g. Parkinson’s Disease, MS.

What does dysarthria sound like?

This varies depending on the cause. Common features include:

·  slurred speech: reduced clarity;

·  speech may be too fast or slow;

·  change in voice quality: low in pitch, hoarse, quiet, breathy, nasal or strained;

·  reduced naturalness: lack of rhythm or intonation;

·  unco-ordinated speech/ breathing.

Will my dysarthria improve?

In most cases some degree of improvement can be made. This depends on the cause and severity of the dysarthria.

How can a Speech and Language Therapist help me?

·  Assessment and personalised treatment and therapy.

·  Oral-motor exercises for breath control, clarity of speech and strength and co-ordination of muscles.

·  Reassurance and confidence-building.

·  Practical advice for improved communication in everyday, work and social situations.

·  Techniques to support speech e.g. gesture, writing, drawing.

·  Specialist assessment for electronic communication aids in severe cases.

·  Advice/support for friends and family.

Tips for successful communication with a person who has dysarthria

·  Minimise background noise and distractions: e.g. turn off the TV.

·  Look at the person’s lips/face for additional clues.

·  Encourage the person to take deep breaths, slow their speech right down and exaggerate sounds.

·  Encourage short sentences and frequent pauses for breath.

·  Encourage emphasis of the most important words.

·  Keep a notepad and pen handy for writing difficult words or encourage pointing, drawing etc.

·  Be patient. Allow the person plenty of time to speak/respond.

·  Check that you have understood by feeding back what you think has been said.

·  Ask whether the person minds if you help by guessing or finishing off words for them. They may prefer to keep trying themselves.

·  Be honest and let the person know when you have not understood them so that they can monitor the clarity of their speech.