Adult Serviced Areas
Motor Speech Disorders
Our ability to speak clearly requires the coordination of breathing, voicing, articulation and several other subsystems of speech. Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that commonly occurs following damage to the nervous system as a result of stroke or other head trauma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
In dysarthria, speech muscles can be weakened, move slowly or else not work together, making speech sound unnatural and difficult to understand. The speech of a person with dysarthria may sound too soft, muffled, slurred, slow or choppy. For others, speech may be loud and harsh sounding. Voice may have a nasal quality or change in pitch. This can affect a person’s ability to be understood, resulting in isolation and frustration.
Speech therapy can help individuals learn strategies to be understood better by others. It can target the subsystems of speech to improve their function and overall coordination. In some cases, alternative communication devices (e.g., amplifiers; letter boards; speech generating devices, etc.) can help to improve outcomes.
Stuttering
Stuttering (also known as “dysfluency”) refers to a disruption in the normal flow and rhythm of speech. Stuttering often takes the form of repetitions – either in parts of words (e.g., “ta-ta-talking””), whole words (e.g., “I – I – I…”) or phrases (e.g., “where is the – where is the – where is the book?”). A person may prolong sounds (e.g., “s-s-s-soap”) or even seem to stop their voice in the middle of a word. Stuttering may sometimes be accompanied by associated characteristics such as body and facial movements, excessive body tension, irregular breathing or changes in voice. A speech therapist can help to identify the pattern of dysfluency and to provide ongoing education and strategies to increase fluent speech.
For adults with longer standing difficulties, speech therapy can provide the strategies and tools needed to improve communication skills within a supportive environment, where each individual can work towards meeting their unique goals. Increased confidence in speaking more fluently is an important focus.
For more information, please see: www.osla.on.ca/en/stuttering
Apraxia
Apraxia is a disorder of voluntary muscle movement – where the brain has difficulty transmitting signals to the speech muscles for purposeful movements. It is not related to muscle weakness or a person’s lack of understanding. Apraxia is caused by injury to the brain such as stroke or other trauma. It often seems bewildering to family and caregivers since individuals with apraxia may not be able to say words when thinking or trying to, but words may pop out correctly at other times. For example, a person with apraxia may spontaneously say “I’m fine.” when asked “How are you?” or may shout a word when they stub their toe, yet they have trouble answering questions that require them to think of a response (e.g., “What did you have for lunch?”). In severe cases, speech may be absent.
Often, an individual with apraxia may struggle to say sounds and words in an effortful manner. Other times, they may be able to say over learned words or use rote language (e.g., count numbers or sing the alphabet song), but not use other words. They know what they want to say, however, the sounds may come out jumbled, in the wrong order, or not at all. Difficulties may also occur with non-speech movements of the face, mouth, tongue, lips and jaw.
Speech therapy can support individuals and their families by providing education regarding this disorder and strategies to help speech production. Ongoing intensive therapy is often required to help address baseline motor skills. Music therapy is sometimes quite helpful and can support speech therapy goals.
For more information, please see: www.osla.on.ca/en/apraxia
Stroke/Aphasia
Individuals who have suffered a stroke may experience a variety of different language impairments. Aphasia is a communication disorder that is caused by damage to the area of the brain that is responsible for expressing and processing speech and language. Aphasia is most commonly seen in clients who have experienced strokes. Adults with aphasia may present with mild to severe difficulties within the following areas:
- Expressive Language Skills (e.g., word finding, articulation,vocabulary skills, grammar/sentence structure)
- Receptive Language Skills (e.g., understanding speech, following instructions)
- Social Language Skills (e.g., how to use language when talking to others)
- Literacy Skills (e.g., reading & writing)
Treatment may also include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to assist the individual with their ability to communicate.
Aphasia is a general term used to describe a loss of language ability due to injury in the language centers of the brain. Difficulties can range from mild in one or two areas, to more severe difficulties that affect all areas of language functioning. These can include problems understanding language, speaking, reading or writing, gesturing, turn-taking, problem solving, memory, etc. Aphasia occurs most frequently after a stroke, however, other illnesses and disease processes can also reduce a person’s ability to use or understand language. It is important to know that aphasia is a communication problem and is not related to a person’s intelligence. People with aphasia generally know more than they can say.
A frequent sign of aphasia is searching for words, saying incorrect words or saying words that do not seem to make sense; sentences can be incomplete or disorganized. Other symptoms can include difficulty understanding others or following directions; inability to read or write; interpreting speech too literally; trouble remembering faces or names, etc.
Every person with aphasia is unique. A speech therapist can help to identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, to ensure that therapy is tailored to their specific needs. Ongoing education about strategies to support the development of functional communication skills can help to diminish barriers often experienced in personal and social relationships.
Individuals who have suffered a stroke may experience a variety of different language impairments. Aphasia is a communication disorder that is caused by damage to the area of the brain that is responsible for expressing and processing speech and language. Aphasia is most commonly seen in clients who have experienced strokes. Adults with aphasia may present with mild to severe difficulties within the following areas:
- Expressive Language Skills (e.g., word finding, articulation, vocabulary skills, grammar/sentence structure)
- Receptive Language Skills (e.g., understanding speech, following instructions)
- Social Language Skills (e.g., how to use language when talking to others)
- Literacy Skills (e.g., reading & writing)
Our team at Anderson Speech Consultants has experience providing support to individuals with aphasia and speech affected by stroke as well as their caregivers.
Treatment may also include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to assist the individual with their ability to communicate.
For more information, please see: www.osla.on.ca/en/aphasia
Acquired Brain Injury & Cognitive Communication
Acquired brain injuries result from damage to the brain (e.g. motor vehicle accident, birth trauma etc.). Such damage can result in temporary, prolonged or permanent impairments in cognitive, emotional, behavioural, or physical functioning.
Symptoms of an acquired brain injury may vary depending on the individual as well as the severity and area of the damage. As a result of such an injury, individuals may experience difficulties with:
- Receptive Language
- Expressive Language
- Fluency
- Word Finding
- Motor Speech (e.g. dysarthria, apraxia)
- Swallowing
- Literacy
- Attention
- Memory
- Organization/Planning
- Processing Information
- Verbal Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Social Communication
Problems with thinking and communication skills frequently accompany an acquired brain injury and can significantly affect a person’s functioning. These difficulties sometimes go unrecognized, particularly in cases where there is no physical impairment.
Speech-Language Pathologists work closely with clients, families and other professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers, teachers, etc.) on functional goals targeting specific areas of difficulty. Treatment plans focus on helping clients increase their independence in daily activities, as well as developing ways to increase success at home and in social settings. This may include transition plans for returning back to school or work.
Voice/Resonance
Voice disorders are characterized by a mismatch between the sound of an individual’s voice and their age, size and/or gender. This may include abnormal loudness, pitch or overall voice quality. For example, a child yelling excessively on the playground or a teacher who habitually speaks in noisy conditions may develop vocal polyps or nodules, which cause a hoarse voice.
Voice can become a problem when it calls attention to itself or when it is a struggle to speak. This can develop at any age. There are many causes of voice problems – e.g., misuse through inefficient breathing; yelling; throat clearing; damage due to trauma or disease; exposure to environmental toxins, etc. Symptoms may include vocal fatigue; a hoarse or raspy sounding vocal quality; a higher or lower pitch than usual; reduced range of vocal pitch; a softer sounding voice, etc.
If you experience changes to your voice, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat physician (ENT) for further evaluation. Speech therapy may be recommended to help you find effective ways to improve the way you use your voice and to identify any behaviors that can contribute to voice problems.
Resonance disorders are characterized by a difference in airflow through the nose and mouth. This may include hypernasality (excessive emission of air through the nose) or hyponasality (a lack of appropriate nasal airflow during speech, such as when a person has nasal congestion). For example, a child born with a cleft palate may have velopharyngeal insufficiency (improper closing of the soft palate muscle in the mouth during speech, allowing air to escape through the nose instead of the mouth) resulting in hypernasality.
For more information, please see: www.osla.on.ca/en/voice
Accent Modification/Reduction
Accent reduction training is offered to those who wish to modify their pronunciation with the aim that others better understand their speech. It works towards clearer and concise speech as well as helps increase self-confidence. Some individuals experience difficulties in their personal and work life when they feel their accent makes it difficult to be understood due to either differences in pronunciation, sentence structure or writing. They may want to increase their confidence in communicating more clearly (oral and written) in their more recently acquired language. This may help them reach personal, occupational and social goals.
Speech therapy can help individuals, employees and businesses with accent modification needs. Therapy is tailored to unique client needs and may focus on improving speech production, written communication, as well as presentation skills.
Adults may seek accent reduction/modification therapy if they are experiencing difficulty being understood in the following situations:
- When speaking with their boss, colleagues or employees
- When interacting with clients over the telephone
- When delivering work-related presentations or hosting meetings
- During social interactions with family and friends
For more information, please see: www.osla.on.ca/en/accent
Communication Skills Training
Effective presentation and communication skills are essential for successful interactions in school, business and social settings. Learn to communicate with increased confidence using strategies to pace your speech, project your voice, improve your pronunciation and speak with clarity.
Communication styles vary from person to person, across geographical regions and cultures. Learning about types of communication – verbal (language, voice, etc.) and nonverbal (facial expression, gesture, posture, etc.) can help to shape positive interactions.
Learn and explore interpersonal communication skills in a supportive environment. Focus on improving listening skills, giving and receiving feedback, building trust in teams and solution focused communication skills. Small groups and team building programs are available.
Communication and Aging
Normal aging processes can lead to changes in hearing, voice, word finding, memory and swallowing. Some people experience difficulties due to neurological conditions or changes caused by illnesses such as cancer, respiratory difficulties, dementia, etc.
Speech therapy can help individuals experiencing such changes by evaluating individual strengths and weaknesses. This information helps to provide strategies to improve communication skills for each individual’s unique needs. The focus is on optimizing health, social interaction, safety and improving quality of life. Families who have a loved one with dementia often experience frustration due to communication challenges. Speech therapy can help to address these issues by providing education and strategies to address difficulties.
For more information, please see: www.sac-oac.ca/public/seniors
Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing is a complex process that involves muscles of the mouth, throat and esophagus (food tube). These muscles prepare and transport oral intake to the digestive system. Difficulties with swallowing are commonly referred to as “dysphagia”, a condition that occurs when a person has difficulty swallowing efficiently and /or safely.
Symptoms of a swallowing disorder may include a sensation of fullness or sticking in the throat; coughing or choking on saliva or when eating, drinking or swallowing medication; weight loss; frequent pneumonias; changes in breathing function; changes in voice during mealtime (e.g., a gurgly or “wet” sounding voice); holding food in the mouth etc.
if you or a loved one experience changes in swallowing function, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat physician (ENT), gastroenterologist (GI) and / or dietician. Speech therapy may be recommended to further evaluate swallowing function, as well as to identify strategies that may help to improve safe feeding and swallowing.
A physician’s order is required for initial swallowing assessments.
For more information, please see: www.osla.on.ca/en/dysphagia
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240 B Sunset Blvd.(Regency House), Los Angeles
office@the-advisors.net
