Dysarthria results from impaired movement of the muscles used for speech production, including the lips, tongue, vocal folds, and/or diaphragm. The type and severity of dysarthria depend on which area of the nervous system is affected.
A person with dysarthria may exhibit one or more of the following speech characteristics:
- “Slurred,” “choppy,” or “mumbled” speech that may be difficult to understand
- Slow rate of speech
- Rapid rate of speech with a “mumbling” quality
- Limited tongue, lip, and jaw movement
- Abnormal pitch and rhythm when speaking
- Changes in voice quality, such as hoarse or breathy voice or speech that sounds “nasal” or “stuffy”
Treatment
For individuals with dysarthria, treatment focuses on facilitating the efficiency, effectiveness, and naturalness of communication (Rosenbek & LaPointe, 1985; Yorkston et al., 2010, as cited in American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.).
Additional Resource
Reference
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Dysarthria in Adults. (Practice Portal). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Dysarthria-in-Adults/