Speech Disorder of Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a speech disorder due to a weakness in or lack of coordination of the speech muscles (Dysarthria, 2003). The presenting symptoms of this condition include slurred speech, speaking softly or whispering, a slow rate of speech, a rapid rate of speech with a mumbling quality, limited tongue, lip and jaw movement, abnormal intonation of rhythm when speaking, changes in vocal quality, hoarseness, breathiness, drooling or poor control of saliva, and/or chewing and swallowing difficulty (American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, 2001; Haynes & Pindzola, 2004). The type and severity of dysarthria depends on which area of the nervous system is affected.

Haynes and Pindzola (2004) stated that dysarthria is caused by a number of conditions that involve the nervous system. In adults and children, such conditions as stroke, brain injury, tumors, cerebral palsy, ParkinsonÆs disease, Lou GehrigÆs disease (ALS), HuntingtonÆs disease, and multiple sclerosis are among the primary conditions known to cause dysarthria (American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, 2001). Haynes and Pindzola (2004) have commented that dysarthria can be caused by any damage or disease involving the regulatory structures and systems that combine to produce speech and which damage or disrupt the process of respiration, phonation, articulation, and resonation.

Incidence, Age, and Affected Population

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any other medical, psychological, or neurological issues which may be associated with the problem. Behavioral Characteristics of the Disorder In addition to the symptoms listed above of dysarthria, individuals who experience this particular speech disorder may find that speech is not a viable option (Dysarthria, 2003). The American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (2001) suggested that individuals with the condition should speak slowly and loudly with frequent pauses, limit conversation when tired, and incorporate body language and hand gestures to facilitate communication. Many children with dysarthria may tend to become particularly frustrated with their communication deficits while acting with family members and in the school environment. This frustration, according to Tagawa, et al (2001), is also common in adult victims of the disorder. Significant Key Diagnostic Markers Haynes and Pindzola (2004) have pointed out that determining that the speech disorder presenting for therapy is dysarthria requires an oral peripheral examination, the assessment of articulation, the measurement of repeated utterances and rates of speech, and the assessment of responses to stimulation. Determining which type of adult dysarthr
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