Dysarthria

is caused by weakness or in co-ordination of the speech muscles

Contact details

Central Appointments Bureau Speech & Language Therapy Bishop Auckland General Hospital Cockton Hill Road Bishop Auckland County Durham DL14 6AD

Tel: 01388 455200

www.cddft.nhs.net

Let us know your thoughts,www.patient.experience.cddft.nhs.uk

Date Published May 2017Date of Review: May 2020Responsibility: Speech & Language TherapyReference No: PIL/CG/0560Version: 1

Dysarthria

Information Leaflet

It affects intelligibility

For clear speech the Lips Tongue Soft Plate and Vocal cordshave to make very precise movements.

Speech is powered by our breath.

Changes in breath support for speech can also affect intelligibility.

@CDDFTSpeechTherapy

Causes of Dysarthria

Dysarthria is caused by changes to the muscles used in the in the production of speech.

Common diagnosis linked with Dysarthria include:

StrokeParkinsons

Motor Neurone disease

Different types of DysarthriaHave different symptoms

Speech may sound:Too fast / too slow

Too quietMonotone or expressionless

SlurredNasalJerky

Dysarthria can make you feel

Speech and Language Therapy

Will work with you to

Assess your speech skills.

Provide you with:

Strategies to manage the Dysarthria

Activities to reduce impairment

Support / Advice

Speech and Language Therapy offer individual and group therapy.

We also work closely with other organisations, such as the Stroke

Association and Parkinsons Disease Society to provide the care and support that is right

for you.

Strategies

Try these strategies to reduce the impact of dysarthria and support the listener to understand your message

Stress key words

.

Dysarthria does NOT affect intelligence.

Dysarthria can make it difficult for listeners to

understand.

embarrassedfed up and frustrated

Managing dysarthria can be tiring and effortful

Use gesture facial expressionbody language

to support verbal communication

The words that carry meaning are the most

important

Go slow! Give your muscles time to make the speech movements

Reduce background noise

Make sure you have good breath support

Over articulate / exaggerate speech muscle movements

Try writing or drawing

Use short sentences