Speech Disorder

• Posted On : 07 March 2023

What are speech disorders

Speech disorders can affect the way a person creates sound to form words.Certain voice disorders may also be considered as speech disorders.

What causes speech disorders

Speech disorders can affect the vocal cord muscles, nerves and other structure withinthe  throat
Causes may include: -

• Vocal cord damage
• Brain damage
• Muscle Weakness
• Strokes
• Polyps or nodules on the vocal cords
• Vocal cord paralysis

People who have certain medical or developmental conditions may also have speech disorders common conditions that can lead to speech disorder

• Autism
• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• Stroke
• Oral cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Huntington’s disease
• Dementia

Speech therapy can treat abroad range of speech and language delay and disorders in children and adults. With early intervention speech therapy can improve communication and boost self -confidence.

Symptoms of speech disorder

Common symptoms experienced by people with speech disorders are-

• Repeating sounds often seen in people who shutter
• Adding extra sounds and words
• Elongating words
• Making jerky movements while talking usually involving the head
• Blinking several times while talking
• Visible frustration when trying to communication
• Taking frequent pauses when talking
• Distorting sounds when talking
• Hoarseness or speaking with a raspy or gravely sounding voice

What are the long-term outlook

The outlook improves for people who seek early treatment. Early treatment helps prevent speech disorder from worsening. the outlook for those with permanent disabilities depends upon the severity of the disability.

What are the potential complication of speech disorders

Untreated speech disorders may cause a person to experience a great deal of an anxiety. over time, this anxiety can trigger anxiety disorders or a phobia of speaking in public. Early treatment for anxiety can help prevent the development of anxiety disorders or phobias. Treatment options include talk therapy and antianxiety medications.

How successful is speech therapy

The success rate of speech therapy varies between the disorder being treated and age groups. When you start speech therapy can also have an impact on the outcome.

Speech therapy for the young children has been shown to be most successful when started early and practiced at home with the involvement of a parent or caregiver.