Dysarthria

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

What is it?

`Dysarthria' is the term used to describe the impaired speech pattern caused by brain or nerve damage to the speech muscles. Dysarthria can result in paralysis, weakness or incoordination of the muscles of the tongue, lips, palate and larynx and may also effect breathing.

What are the symptoms?

Dysarthric speech may be characterised by;

• Slowed speech.
• Slurred speech that is not clearly articulated.
• Excessively soft or loud speech or difficulties controlling the speech volume.
• Impaired voice quality - hoarse, nasal, breathy qualities.
• Effortful speech caused by a lack of breath control.
• Pitch control difficulties - monotone, high or low pitched.

Who do I see and how is it diagnosed?

The Speech Pathologist can assess a child's speech and provide appropriate treatment to assist with any specific areas of difficulty. Assessment often involves observing the child at meal times, listening to their speech and conducting an oral-motor examination.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for dysarthria may involve specific exercises to improve articulation, voice, pitch quality or volume. The Speech Pathologist will also consider whether the child/young person is able to use strategies to make their speech clearer such as:

• Looking at the person whilst talking
• Taking a breath before speaking
• Slowing down speech rate
• Speaking in shorter sentences with regular pauses

The Speech Pathologist also works closely with the family, the school and significant carers to assist in making communication easier for the child/young person. This may include tips such as:

• Letting the child/young person know what parts of the message have been understood and which parts need clarification.
• Asking the child/young person to show you what they want.
• Allowing more time to listen to a child's response.

If a child/young person's speech is very impaired then the Speech Pathologist can assist with teaching the child/young person to use an alternative communication system to express themselves. This may include use of gestures, signing, picture symbols, a voice output device or writing to convey a message. For more information about alternative communication methods, please see Communication Aides.

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/