An accent is not a speech or language disorder. It is the manner of
pronunciation that is typical of a particular individual, location, or nation.
Every spoken language has a specific accent. Nonetheless, an accent can present
itself as a communication barrier. A thick accent often makes the most common
words sound foreign. Hence, many choose to opt for accent modification or accent
reduction to make themselves easily understandable.

 1. What is an Accent?
 2. What Are The Different Types of Accents?
 3. Why is Accent Modification Necessary?
 4. Can You Modify Your Accent?
 5. Can Speech Therapy Help with Accent Modification?
 6. What Are Accent Evaluation and Assessment?
 7. Why Should You Work with A Licensed Speech Therapist for Accent
    Modification?
 8. What Does Accent Modification Training Look Like?
 9. What Are The Advantages of Stamurai Speech Therapy for Accent Modification?

1. What is an Accent?
An accent is a distinctive way of speaking that may be particular to a group of
people, location, or nation. Everyone has an accent! The nature of the accent
varies from one region to another, and one country to another.

When you travel to a new country or a different part of your country, you may
notice that the locals sound different. There is always a difference in how
people pronounce the same words, vowel, and consonant combinations even when
they are from different regions of the same country.

People sound different from one another for a variety of reasons including
locality, ethnicity (ethnolect), socioeconomic status, social class, and their
first language. While our accents tell others about our unique social, cultural,
and linguistic backgrounds, they may also become a barrier to effective
communication.

Having a thick foreign accent can reduce one's clarity of speech. The troubles
can range from disruptions in the natural flow of conversations to the complete
inability to communicate with a native speaker during an emergency. Accents are
NEVER a communication disorder, but accents can become hindrances to effective
communication.

Here's a quick and accurate guide to help you understand accent modification,
accent modification assessments, online accent modification techniques, and how
speech therapy can help.

2. What Are The Different Types of Accents?
When people learn new languages or move from one country to another, they always
carry their accents with them. It’s like carrying a little part of home!

A person’s accent depends on several factors, but the two most common groups of
accents are –

 * Regional Accents – Have you noticed how people from Portland, Oregon sound
   different from people from Manhattan, New York? They are from the same
   country and speak the same language, but they sound very different. This is
   known as a regional accent.
 * National Origin Accents – When you learn English as a second or third
   language in your adulthood, it is natural for you to speak the language with
   an accent. It’s nothing bad or shameful at all! However, it may make it
   difficult for the English-speaking natives to understand you.

As you can see, accents are natural and part of every spoken language. No accent
is better or worse than another. Modifying an accent or reducing it is your
choice.

3. Why Accent Modification May Be Necessary?
Accents can tell people where you are from and the language you speak at home.
Nonetheless, your unique rhythm of speech and intonation can make it difficult
for others to understand you. People may have a difficult time grasping the gist
of your speech. You may even feel frustrated because you have to repeat yourself
while talking.

Here’s why a number of our clients seek accent modification –

 * They face difficulty being understood by the native speakers
 * They have to repeat themselves quite often
 * People pay more attention to the accent than their message
 * They face unfair attitudes from listeners due to their accents
 * They have faced or continue to face bias/barriers due to their accent in
   social, work, and/or educational environments

The communication challenges posed by thick accents can affect your self-esteem,
professional/educational advancement, social life, and personal life. If you
feel the need to modify or neutralize your accent, it’s completely alright.
Begin by contacting a licensed and experienced speech therapist. You can find
online speech therapy for accent modification right here at Stamurai.

4. Can You Modify Your Accent?
Accent modification or accent neutralization is completely possible for an
adult. It may include simple accent modification treatment protocols that
consist of accent modification exercises and activities for adults.

While it can be difficult to change an accent completely, you can consult a
qualified speech-language pathologist for an accent modification assessment. An
experienced professional can tell you how much change your accent needs to make
you more understandable to your listeners.

5. Can Speech Therapy Help with Accent Modification?
Speech therapy is a significant part of accent modification treatment. Therapy
can include accent modification activities, and exercises suited for various
ages and professions.

Speech therapy can help you identify the phrases, sounds, rhythms, and
intonations that set you apart from the native speaker. Accent modification
techniques aim to enable you to modify these speech patterns and make your
accent less conspicuous.

Speech therapists are professionals who can evaluate your accent, help you
identify the areas that need work, and provide you with instructions that can
reduce or modify your accent.

If you are an adult who has learned English as a second language in their
adulthood, it may not be realistic to expect that your accent will vanish
completely. You may not sound identical to a native English speaker. However,
accent modification techniques mastered with the help of skilled speech
therapists can help you speak more intelligibly and confidently.

6. What Are Accent Evaluation and Assessment?
When you opt for accent modification therapy, speech therapists will first take
a close look at the nature of your accent and speech patterns. Since each person
may have a unique accent, a professional will ask you to repeat specific words,
sounds, and phrases.

Accent evaluation consists of –

 * Understanding how you produce different sounds
 * Capturing the rhythms and intonation in your speech
 * Measuring your intelligibility
 * Determining how you sound in a conversation
 * Determining the impact of your accent on your daily life

Your speech therapist will also ask you questions about –

 * The language(s) you speak at home
 * The details about second language acquirement
 * The method of learning these languages (school, or community)
 * The language(s) you commonly use at home, school/work, or in social
   situations
 * The extent of the use of each language in daily life

The uniqueness of each language calls for bespoke accent modification therapy
ideas for adults. Consulting a professional speech therapist will arm you with
tailored accent modification goals best suited for your age, profession, and
social life. These plans and goals are based on the unique cultural and
linguistic background of each individual. Therefore, you can expect
pronunciation training, at-home accent modification exercises, daily practice
activities, and short-term objectives to be a part of your personal accent
training plan.

7. Why Should You Work with A Licensed Speech Therapist for Accent Modification?
A licensed SLP or speech therapist will first assess the impact of your accent
on your communication and life. Second, they will provide you with the accent
modification resources you need to begin the modification journey.

The roles of a speech therapist can include –

 * Giving the necessary and relevant information regarding accents and accent
   modification
 * Educating the client about the entire process of accent modification and the
   possible outcomes
 * Providing counsel regarding the communication-related problems the client
   currently faces
 * Determining the necessity and applicability of various accent modification
   exercises
 * Chalking out a therapy plan comprising of multiple sessions and achievable
   goals for the client

8. What Does Accent Modification Training Look Like?
The training plan and basic accent modification exercises can look different for
each person. Different speech therapists use different accent modification
training approaches.

Some of the common strategies that you may come across during accent
modification training include –

 * Listening and imitating – the client has to repeat a model given by the
   therapist
 * Minimal pair and contextualized minimal pair drills – the client is shown the
   contrast between similar sounds while the therapist provides a discernable
   context
 * Using visual aids – the client is given pictures, mirrors, sound-color
   charts, and the vowel quadrilateral to assist the production of sounds
 * Tongue twisters – the therapist helps the client navigate through sentences
   that are difficult to say correctly due to the repetition of consonantal
   sounds (e.g. she sells sea shells on the seashore)
 * Phonetic training – the client receives exclusive training in phonemics
   through detailed descriptions and the use of articulatory position diagrams
   of the phonetic alphabet
 * Practicing vowel production and altering the stress patterns in spoken
   language
 * Providing visual feedback
 * Building awareness around the production and linking of consonants in speech

Recording the client’s speech production for providing accurate feedback and
review.

9. What Are The Advantages of Stamurai Speech Therapy for Accent Modification?
Stamurai [https://stamurai.com/] provides online speech therapy for accent
modification. Opting for online speech therapy with Stamurai means bypassing the
need for traveling or searching for expert speech therapists in your locality.
You can connect with our trained and certified speech therapists online from the
comfort of your home.

You will continue to receive exclusive and personalized accent modification
therapy plans, progress reports, and daily/weekly therapy goals from our team of
specialists. You can access our repertoire of speech therapy tools and follow
your progress using your smartphone or laptop. You can book and attend a session
at the click of a button.

The convenience and easy access make online speech therapy for accent
modification in adults the #1 choice across the globe.

Online Speech Therapy for Accent Modification

Aphasia is a language disorder that can affect all forms of language. An
individual with aphasia may not be able to speak, or understand spoken words.
Aphasia can also make it difficult for the person to read and write. It can
affect all forms of communication.

Aphasia can develop when parts of the brain responsible for understanding and
producing language are damaged. That can happen due to a stroke, injury to the
head, or due to tumors and neurodegenerative conditions. While it is most common
among middle-aged men and women, aphasia can affect younger generations too.

It can be extremely disheartening to watch your loved one struggling with
aphasia. Always remember that there are treatments and speech therapy options
available for aphasia. You can become an integral part of the treatment process
and help your loved one recover.

The first step you can take is to learn more about aphasia and the available
treatments. Here, you will find the causes of aphasia, the signs and symptoms of
aphasia, the types of the language disorder and the available treatment options.
Today, you and your loved one can also get online speech therapy for aphasia
from the comforts of your home.

 1.  What Is Aphasia?
 2.  Who Can Get Aphasia?
 3.  Is Aphasia Common?
 4.  What Causes Aphasia?
 5.  What Are the Common Symptoms Of Aphasia?
 6.  What Are The Types Of Aphasia?
 7.  Is Aphasia Permanent?
 8.  How Is Aphasia Diagnosed?
 9.  How Is Aphasia Treated?
 10. What Is Aphasia Therapy?
 11. What Are The Aphasia Speech Therapy Goals?
 12. How Should You Talk to Someone Who Has Aphasia?
 13. How Can Stamurai Online Speech Therapy Help With Aphasia?
     

1. What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder [https://stamurai.com/blog/aphasia-vs-apraxia/].
Someone with aphasia may find it difficult to speak, read, write or understand
language. It results from damage to certain areas of the brain that are
responsible for understanding and producing language.

For most people, the left side of the brain contains all areas responsible for
the processing, interpretation, and production of all forms of language. Damage
to these areas due to stroke, physical injury, tumor(s), cancer, or a
progressive neurological disease can cause aphasia.

Aphasia affects the ability to understand and express language. Therefore, a
person may find it extremely difficult to read, write, speak, and understand
spoken or written words. It can co-occur with other speech and language
disorders like apraxia of speech [https://stamurai.com/blog/aphasia-vs-apraxia/] 
and dysarthria [https://stamurai.com/blog/dysarthria-guide/].

2. Who Can Get Aphasia?
Theoretically, anyone can get aphasia since it can result from physical injury
or damage to particular areas of the brain. However, most people who acquire
aphasia are above the age of 45 years.

3. Is Aphasia Common?
According to the National Aphasia Association (NAA), around 180,000 Americans
acquire aphasia every year. Currently, about 1 million people in the US live
with aphasia.

Although aphasia is not talked about much, it is a common language disorder.

4. What Causes Aphasia?
All the areas responsible for language are on the left side of the human brain.
Any injury or damage to these areas can potentially cause aphasia.

In the case of middle-aged individuals, the most common cause of aphasia is a
stroke (cerebrovascular accident). The loss of blood flow to these areas of the
brain due to blood clot(s) or broken blood vessels leads to strokes. Blood is
the principal source of oxygen and nutrients for the brain, and due to a stroke,
parts of the brain may not receive oxygen and other nutrients. It can cause the
nerve cells or neurons in those areas to die. The death of neurons in the brain
areas responsible for language will disrupt language processing and/or
production.

Other causes of aphasia may include severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to
direct blows to the head, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents (MVA), brain
infections, brain tumors, cancers, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders
(Alzheimer’s).

5. What Are the Common Symptoms Of Aphasia?
Aphasia can affect one's expressive and receptive language
[https://stamurai.com/blog/expressive-language-disorder-in-kids/] in several
ways. According to ASHA, there are several signs and symptoms that indicate
aphasia.

Talking –
A person with aphasia may –

 * Have difficulty finding the right words they want to say.
 * Say the wrong word. For example, they may say "book" when they mean "phone."
   The replacement word may not make much sense.
 * Swap one word for another in a sentence. For example, they may say "book
   text" in the place of "textbook."
 * Makeup words and use them in a sentence.
 * Face difficulty in saying a whole sentence. They may find saying single words
   comparatively effortless.

Understanding –
A person suffering from aphasia may –

 * Be unable to understand what you say to them. They may have more difficulty
   with fast-paced speech and long sentences.
 * Find it difficult to understand when the environment is noisy.
 * Have a hard time understanding sarcasm.

Reading and Writing –
The person who has aphasia may –

 * Have severe trouble reading from books, forms, phones, and computer screens.
 * Find it impossible to spell and put words together to form complete
   sentences.
 * Face difficulty in using numbers or performing basic calculations. For
   example, they may be unable to tell the time or count money.

Not everyone has all the symptoms of aphasia. Aphasia can affect specific
aspects of language, such as speaking or understanding spoken language. The
symptoms will depend upon the type of aphasia the person has.

6. What Are The Types Of Aphasia?
Over the years, researchers and healthcare professionals have categorized
aphasia according to the particular components of language that are impaired.
The categorization also depends upon the specific areas of the brain that have
been injured or affected in specific cases.

Some of the common types of aphasia are –

Global Aphasia
It is the most severe form of aphasia. Global aphasia refers to the condition
where patients can comprehend little to no spoken language and produce only a
few understandable words.

People with global aphasia cannot read, write, or understand language. It is
commonly observed in patients after a severe stroke. If a cerebrovascular
accident is the cause of global aphasia, then the patient has the chance of
making a recovery once the treatment to address the blood clot or loss of blood
flow begins.

However, the extent of reversal of the loss of the ability to understand and
produce language depends upon the extent of brain damage. With greater damage,
the recovery may be slow, and there may be lasting disability.

Broca’s Aphasia
Broca’s area of the brain has functions directly associated with speech
production. Broca’s aphasia, also known as non-fluent aphasia, affects the
speech production and vocabulary of an individual. The person may be able to say
3-4 words at a time. The production of speech is often arduous.

However, a person with Broca’s aphasia is able to understand spoken and written
language. However, they may have trouble writing. It is often referred to as
non-fluent aphasia because of the laborious and halting quality of speech.

Mixed non-fluent Aphasia
Individuals with mixed non-fluent aphasia may have effortful speech that
resembles severe Broca’s aphasia. However, they also have limited ability to
understand spoken language. They may be able to read or write only limitedly.

Wernicke’s Aphasia
Wernicke's aphasia impairs the person's ability to understand spoken language.
Wernicke's area is responsible for language development and comprehension of
speech. Any injury to this region can impair one's ability to grasp the meaning
of spoken language. Thus it is also known as fluent aphasia.

Since Broca's area remains unaffected, the person can produce speech. However,
the person's spoken language is not natural or normal. The sentences may not
make sense and may have irrelevant words or phrases. In the more severe cases,
their spoken words may not make much sense to the casual listener. In the case
of fluent aphasia, reading and writing abilities are severely affected.

Anomic Aphasia
Anomic aphasia refers to the condition in which a person cannot supply the
correct words for the topics, subjects, or things they want to discuss. These
are particularly nouns and verbs.

Their speech is typically fluent grammatically, but the output frequently
contains circumlocutions and frustrated expressions. The difficulty to find the
right words is evident when the person speaks and writes. However, they can
understand spoken and written language adequately.

Primary Progressive Aphasia
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurological condition in which the
progression of language impairment is slow but steady. While other forms of
aphasia discussed above may be the cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), PPA is
caused by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Frontotemporal Lobar
Degeneration.

PPA is caused due to the progressive deterioration of the neurons in the brain
areas responsible for speech and language. Often, the first symptoms of
neurodegenerative diseases present themselves as speech and language impairment,
but the other symptoms like memory loss follow shortly.

Other Types of Aphasia (Unspecified)
In addition to the aforementioned types, there may be other combinations of
symptoms that do not fit into these classifications. An individual may have the
symptoms of complex aphasia in isolation. These may be alexia (difficulty
reading), or alexia and agraphia (difficulty reading and writing). Most of these
isolated symptoms surface after a stroke.

In some instances, aphasia is accompanied by severe impairments in one’s ability
to perform calculations. In some cases, individuals may retain their ability to
calculate despite severe impairment of language skills.

Such unique cases that present with symptoms of aphasia are typically
categorized under "other types" of aphasia.

7. Is Aphasia Permanent?
Aphasia may not always be permanent. The prognosis depends upon the cause of the
language disorder.

If you have acquired aphasia after a stroke, you may recover naturally as the
treatment and/or medication for the stroke continues. Spontaneous recovery from
aphasia is possible in people who have had a transient ischemic attack.

When aphasia is caused by a neurodegenerative disorder, the prognosis is not
straightforward. Complete recovery of lost language skills may not be possible,
but speech therapy can strengthen your retained language and communication
skills.

Temporary aphasia is also possible. It may happen due to seizures, migraines,
and infections that cause the inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues.

Irrespective of the potential cause of aphasia, you should always consult a
speech therapist for aphasia treatment.

8. How Is Aphasia Diagnosed?
The symptoms of aphasia are generally first noticed by healthcare professionals
when they are treating the individual after a brain injury.

Once the professional notices the primary signs and symptoms, they can refer the
individual to a specialist for diagnostic tests, such as MRI (magnetic resonance
imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scan. Imaging tests can locate the precise
area(s) of the brain that have suffered damage.

The physician and an SLP (speech-language pathologist) will test the person's
speech and language abilities. The test will evaluate how the individual
understands/produces language, holds a conversation, understands/answers
questions, and reads/writes.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and speech therapists can run more thorough
evaluations and assessments for a conclusive diagnosis. The SLP or speech
therapist can recommend speech therapy activities appropriate for the individual
to treat the language-related symptoms of aphasia.

9. How Is Aphasia Treated?
The first line of treatment for aphasia is treating the cause of the disorder,
which is commonly TBI or stroke. Often, once the blood clots have been removed
or the broken blood vessels mended, the symptoms of aphasia tend to become less
intense. However, symptoms of speech and language impairment may remain if the
injury or resulting  brain damage is extensive.

Next, the individual is referred to a speech therapy team or speech-language
pathologist, who can assess the type of aphasia, the impact of the symptoms and
recommend appropriate speech therapy exercises & activities for aphasia.

If it is a result of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, then the
individual has to stay in touch with their GP, neurologist, and other healthcare
professionals throughout speech and language therapy for aphasia.

Speech therapy for aphasia is recommended so that patients can slowly regain
their ability to use language. It may not always be possible for someone to
regain their lost language skills completely. Thus, speech therapy can also
focus on maximizing the language skills they have retained. You can also seek
speech therapy online for aphasia if traveling is problematic after a stroke or
injury.

The SLP will design the speech therapy exercises and activities based on the
individual's language and social needs. The therapist will work with the
patient, their family, and caregivers to achieve the best possible outcomes with
online speech therapy for aphasia. The speech therapy activities, techniques,
and aphasia treatment plan will depend on the unique needs of the individual.

10. What Is Aphasia Therapy?
Each treatment plan is tailored to meet the patient’s unique circumstances and
necessities. However, the typical therapy plan for aphasia will look like this –

 * If the person has trouble producing speech, the SLP might ask them to repeat
   specific words after them, practice saying nouns and verbs, and name
   photos/pictures of daily objects.
 * If the person experiences difficulty understanding spoken language, the SLP
   might work with them on the task of sorting words according to their
   meanings.
 * If the person has trouble holding conversations, the SLP can emulate dialogue
   exchange and rehearse conversations in the clinic environment. Gradually,
   they may start practicing phone calls.
 * In more severe cases, the SLP may teach the patient augmentative and
   alternative communication (AAC) methods that do not involve the production of
   speech. The professional can teach an adult with aphasia how to use gestures,
   signs, electronic devices, and picture boards to communicate.

A thorough assessment of the client's overall health is necessary before the
therapy begins. Since other health issues such as hearing problems and bad
eyesight can also affect a person’s communication abilities, the speech-language
pathologist may need to take all such findings into account while formulating
the aphasia treatment plan.

The SLP will conduct a complete assessment of the person's language skills
before therapy. The therapist will also talk to the family and immediate
caregivers to explore the problem areas and target them during the sessions.

11. What Are The Aphasia Speech Therapy Goals?
The goals and outcomes of speech and language therapy for aphasia will depend
significantly upon the symptoms. Although the aphasia speech therapy techniques
and treatment plan are highly personalized, here's how speech therapy can help
people with aphasia –

 * Reducing speech and language impairment as much as possible to restore the
   expressive and receptive language of the individual.
 * Helping the individual communicate to the best of their ability by increasing
   participation and activity levels.
 * Finding and teaching augmentative and alternative ways of communication
   (compensatory strategies and/or electronic devices).
 * Providing the correct and updated information on aphasia and its available
   treatments to the client and their family members.

12. How Should You Talk to Someone Who Has Aphasia?
Talking to someone with aphasia can be difficult. Here are some useful tips -

 * Use simple sentences that they can easily understand.
 * Try to speak slowly. Enunciate the words while keeping your volume
   consistent.
 * Give them plenty of time to respond. Don’t make them feel pressured or
   anxious to respond.
 * Try to use visual cues while talking. You can use pointing, gestures, and
   photos to communicate more efficiently.
 * Hold normal eye contact. It will make the person feel less anxious.
 * Try to minimize the distractions like televisions, mobile phones, music, and
   other background noises.
 * If the person has difficulty finding the right words, wait. Do not finish
   their sentences. Talk to the SLP to find ways to prompt or help them search
   for the word or phrases.
 * Continue SLP-recommended aphasia exercises at home.

13. How Can Stamurai Online Speech Therapy Help With Aphasia?
Stamurai [https://stamurai.com/] offers online speech therapy for aphasia. Our
experts match the individuals and their families with certified and experienced
speech therapists. The team factors in the client's health conditions before
doing a thorough assessment of their communication skills. The SLP evaluates and
creates a treatment plan to best suit your needs.

All therapy sessions are held online through our secure platform; the therapist
will not only talk to the client but also their family members and/or immediate
care providers.

The therapist will consider the client's age, communication challenges, and
goals to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Aphasia treatment for children 0 to 3-years old
Very young children can also attend aphasia speech therapy online. However,
toddlers will benefit from speech therapy practice that continues at home.
Parents remain in direct contact with the SLP to learn the aphasia speech
therapy strategies they can use at home. The speech therapist will tell you how
to continue practicing the speech therapy activities with a child with aphasia
at home for the best results.

Aphasia treatment for children between 3 and 6-years old
Stamurai SLPs advise parents to attend the video sessions with the child. During
the session, you and your child will learn valuable language and communication
skills that you can practice outside the session. At-home skill-building is of
utmost importance at such a young age.

Aphasia treatment for 7-years old and above
Children can attend video sessions on their own, but the SLP typically keeps the
parents in the loop. You can request updates and progress reports of your child
after each online speech therapy session for aphasia. You can speak with the
therapist directly, who will answer all your questions regarding aphasia and the
ongoing therapy.

Older children and adults can attend therapy sessions all by themselves.
However, the SLP will need you to practice the given aphasia exercises at home
to maximize the positive effects of speech therapy.

Online Speech Therapy for Aphasia

Apraxia is a speech-sound disorder. People with apraxia of speech know what to
say, but they experience difficulty in coordinating the movements of different
parts of the mouth necessary for producing the correct sounds.

If you are an adult with apraxia or the parent of a child with apraxia of
speech, you may find the diagnosis demoralizing. You may be struggling with
difficult emotions and it’s completely normal.

We are here to answer all the questions you have about apraxia, its symptoms,
and speech therapy for childhood apraxia of speech.

 1.  What Is Apraxia?
 2.  What Are The Types of Apraxia?
 3.  Is Apraxia of Speech Common?
 4.  What Are The Symptoms of Apraxia?
 5.  What Are Some Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
 6.  What Are Other Developmental Complications Associated With Apraxia of
     Speech?
 7.  What Causes ‘Apraxia of Speech’?
 8.  Is There A Prevention For Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
 9.  How Is Apraxia Diagnosed?
 10. Is There a Treatment For Apraxia of Speech?
 11. Myths and Misconceptions about Apraxia
 12. Difference between Aphasia and Apraxia
 13. Tips for Parents to Help a Child with Apraxia of Speech
 14. Are Speech Apraxia & Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Related?
 15. How Can Stamurai Help In The Evaluation & Treatment Of Apraxia Of Speech?

What Is Apraxia?
Apraxia of speech is a speech sound disorder. It is also known as verbal
apraxia, acquired apraxia of speech, or childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

To produce speech, our brain sends signals to the lips, tongue, jaws, and other
parts involved in speech production. These parts have to work in coordination
with one another to produce normal speech. In apraxia of speech, the process is
disrupted. The signals from the brain don't flow smoothly to the muscles.

The brain of the person knows exactly what to say, but the disruption in signal
flow prevents the planning and execution of the movements necessary for speech
sound production.

People with apraxia of speech face immense difficulty in coordinating the muscle
movements needed to produce syllables, words, and phrases. It is extremely
difficult for them to communicate via spoken language. If you know someone with
apraxia, you may have described them as "hard to understand."

What Are The Types of Apraxia?
Although we use the term "apraxia" to describe individuals who have trouble
coordinating mouth movements that produce sounds, there are different types of
speech sound disorders. There are two common categories –

Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Children may have apraxia of speech since birth. In such cases, the disorder is
referred to as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Difficulty in planning speech
movements is the defining symptom of this disorder.

To parents, it may seem similar to speech delay. It may appear as if the child
wants to speak, but is grasping to make the right sound. It may also appear
similar to babbling for children between the ages of 6-months and 2-years. That
makes the early detection of CAS challenging.

Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) can affect individuals of all ages. It occurs
most commonly in adults. Apraxia of speech in adults is caused due to injury or
damage to the parts of the brain responsible for the planning and production of
speech.

Acquired apraxia of speech can cause the impairment and loss of the existing
ability to speak.

Is Apraxia of Speech Common?
Data on the prevalence of speech apraxia is still lacking. However, researchers
estimate that around 1 out of 1000 children have childhood apraxia of speech.
CAS is more common among male children as compared to female children.

According to recent reports, the incidence of CAS has increased in recent years.
This sudden rise can be attributed to –

 * Increasing awareness (and subsequent diagnosis) about speech sound disorders
 * A higher number of children receiving early evaluations for CAS from
   professionals
 * More research being conducted on apraxia of speech

What Are The Symptoms of Apraxia?
Apraxia of speech may present differently in different individuals. The symptoms
of CAS can vary significantly between two people.

In the case of mild apraxia of speech, the person may face difficulty with only
a handful of speech sounds. They may be able to speak almost normally, but have
trouble saying longer multisyllabic words.

In severe cases of apraxia, the person may not be able to communicate via spoken
language at all. The most common symptoms of apraxia of speech include –

 * The affected individual may not be able to say the same words, in the same
   way, every time.
 * They may distort the sound of the words while speaking.
 * They may have more trouble saying longer, multisyllabic words.
 * Those with AOS may stress the wrong syllable while speaking.
 * They may use improper intonations and rhythm while talking.
 * Children and adults with verbal apraxia seem to grope for sounds as they try
   to produce the correct sounds.
 * Most individuals with AOS also face difficulties with fine motor skills.
 * Children with CAS experience delays in speech and language development.
 * Many children with CAS exhibit difficulties in reading, writing, and
   spelling.

What Are Some Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
Some signs and symptoms associated with childhood apraxia of speech in infants
and toddlers include –

 * The child says their first words later than their same-aged peers.
 * A child with verbal apraxia babbles less during the appropriate age.
 * They may show excessive movements of the mouth (groping for sounds).
 * The child may exhibit regression in the number of words they produce.
 * They may say phrases like "thank you" or "hello" correctly but have trouble
   with voluntary speech production.
 * Children with CAS make frequent errors in the production of sounds in words.
   They can omit, switch, or add sounds to words.

What Are Other Developmental Complications Associated With Apraxia of Speech?
Children with apraxia of speech seem to struggle with several issues that affect
their ability to communicate. Sometimes, they exhibit developmental delays which
are not the cause or effect of apraxia of speech but co-occur with CAS.

Some of these complications that co-occur with apraxia of speech in children
include –

Delays in speech-language development
Children with CAS may exhibit a limited vocabulary and minimal understanding of
grammar. They may also have trouble understanding spoken language.

Intellectual and motor delays
Children with apraxia of speech can have trouble walking, running, doing fine
work with their hands (fine motor dexterity), coordinating movements, and motor
planning. The inability of a child to learn at the level expected for their age
is an intellectual delay, which may be present in someone with CAS.

Hypersensitivity
It is less common in children with CAS, but some children exhibit severe
aversion to specific sounds, textures, temperatures, and lighting. It is more
common among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Often children with apraxia of speech receive a dual diagnosis. Specialists
often diagnose CAS with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disorder, and
hearing loss.

What Causes Apraxia of Speech?
Childhood apraxia of speech is present since birth. Although experts often refer
to it as developmental apraxia of speech, children do not "grow out of it," like 
developmental stuttering
[https://stamurai.com/blog/causes-of-stuttering-in-adults/]. It is in no way
similar to or synonymous with developmental delays in speech.

In most cases, the cause of CAS is unknown. There are several potential causes
of childhood apraxia of speech. The brain imaging studies like MRI and PET scans
rarely show any anomalies in the brain structure of a child with CAS. That makes
it difficult to pinpoint the cause of CAS.

Nonetheless, here are some of the most probable causes of childhood apraxia of
speech
[https://stamurai.com/blog/childhood-apraxia-of-speech-causes-symptoms-treatment/] 
(CAS) –

 * Injury or damage to the brain caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI),
   and infections such as meningitis.
 * A genetic disorder or metabolic disorder. Research shows the co-occurrence of
   galactosemia in children diagnosed with CAS.
 * Children with mutations in the FOXP2 gene have higher risks of developing
   CAS.

Is There A Prevention For Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
It is impossible to predict who will develop childhood apraxia of speech.
Currently, there are no tests that can determine the chances of an unborn child
(fetus) developing CAS in the future. It is primarily because the main causes of
CAS are not yet well-established. That makes it impossible to prevent CAS in
children.

However, early diagnosis and interventions in children make it possible for
children to acquire communication skills and improve their quality of life.

How Is Apraxia Diagnosed?
Speech-language pathologists (SLP) play a key role in the diagnosis of CAS.
There is no single sign or symptom that defines apraxia of speech, especially in
children. Currently, there is no test that can differentially diagnose CAS. SLPs
look for a bunch of symptoms that we have described in the section above, to
make the diagnosis.

During the evaluation process, the SLP may ask the child or adult to perform
several speech tasks such as repeating a word multiple times, repeating a list
of words that range from monosyllabic to multisyllabic or repeating a sentence.
For diagnosing CAS, the SLP may have to observe the child's speech for an
extended period (days to weeks).

In the case of acquired apraxia of speech (AOS), the SLP may also test the
individual’s ability to read, write, converse and carry out non-speech
movements.

Several developmental conditions have symptoms that can be confused with apraxia
of speech. The SLP makes careful observations to rule out aphasia, cerebral
palsy, receptive language disorders, and muscle weakness that can cause speech
disorders. Ruling out other disorders and conditions that have the same or
similar symptoms can help with the diagnosis.

Is There a Treatment For Apraxia of Speech?
In the rarest of the rare cases, individuals with acquired apraxia may recover
on their own. SLPs refer to such instances as spontaneous recovery.

However, children with verbal apraxia (CAS) will not outgrow the condition on
their own. CAS often requires one-on-one speech-language therapy with exercises
for childhood apraxia of speech
[https://stamurai.com/blog/best-exercises-games-activities-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech/]
. The SLP might take time to assess the child’s acquired language and
communication skills before devising a tailored apraxia treatment plan.

Treatment or speech therapy for apraxia can continue for months or years
alongside normal schooling.

Children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) may benefit from –

 * Exercises that involve repetition of word sounds, words, and phrases.
 * Visual cues that exhibit how two or more sounds produce words.
 * Repeating words and saying them together with the speech therapist or
   parents.
 * The treatment may be similar for adults who have acquired apraxia later in
   life.

Since the symptoms of the disorder vary, the progress varies as well. Two kids
receiving the same childhood apraxia of speech treatment may progress
differently at their own pace. Parents, caregivers, and friends have to be
constantly appreciative and encouraging of the child or adult's trials and
achievements.

Continuing practice of at-home apraxia exercises is of paramount importance for
catalyzing progress.

In more severe cases of apraxia, both children and adults may need to learn
augmentative and alternative methods of communication. AAC may include –

 * Sign language (ASL)
 * Using a notebook or photos or written words
 * Using a communication board or tablet to produce speech from written words

These alternative methods of communication can help a person express themselves.
However, they may not have to use AAC devices for life. Using these models while
attending offline or online speech therapy sessions for apraxia of speech can
help in the progress. Most importantly, they can reduce the frustration of a
person who's currently unable to communicate due to apraxia of speech.

Myths and Misconceptions about Apraxia
Apraxia is not a common speech disorder. As a result, the web is riddled with
several misconceptions and myths about apraxia. Here are some of the most common
ones that can derail the treatment for apraxia in children and adults –

There’s Only One Type of Apraxia
There are at least two types of apraxia – childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and
acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). Both the conditions affect how signals travel
from the brain to the parts of the mouth that produce speech. CAS is typically
present from birth, but AOS can be a result of TBI, stroke, or tumors.

Apraxia of Speech Is Muscle Weakness
There is no muscle weakness involved in apraxia of speech (CAS and AOS). The
signaling mechanism between the brain and mouth may be disrupted. Activities to
strengthen the muscles of the mouth do not help with speech production in the
case of childhood apraxia of speech or acquired apraxia of speech.

Children Will Grow Out Of CAS
CAS is not a developmental disorder and children cannot grow out of CAS on their
own. It is a complex speech disorder that demands prolonged speech therapy and
exercises.

CAS Is a Sign of Intellectual Disability
Although intellectual disability (ID) can co-occur with CAS, apraxia of speech
is not a sign of ID. A child with CAS knows exactly what they want to say, but
they have trouble making the accurate movements necessary for producing speech.

A Physician or Pediatrician Can Diagnose Apraxia of Speech Successfully
It is a common belief that your GP or pediatrician will be able to diagnose
apraxia of speech in children, but in reality, you need to consult an SLP for a
conclusive diagnosis.

Your GP or another health professional may be able to guide in the cases of
acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) in adults following a stroke, or traumatic
brain injury. However, for proper treatment of apraxia, you need to contact a
licensed and experienced speech-language pathologist.

Apraxia of Speech Is Untreatable
Apraxia of speech is completely treatable through speech therapy. It takes time
and persistence. You or your child may require months to be able to gain the
ability to speak, but apraxia of speech therapy techniques are effective.

For more facts on apraxia of speech and childhood apraxia of speech, you can
refer to this article
[https://stamurai.com/blog/myths-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-busted/].

Difference between Aphasia and Apraxia
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate.
It can affect your speech, reading, and writing abilities. It may also have an
impact on how you understand language. It can appear after a head injury or
stroke.

Since aphasia and apraxia both affect a person’s ability to talk, people often
confuse the two. Distinguishing apraxia and aphasia
[https://stamurai.com/blog/aphasia-vs-apraxia/] may be difficult unless you are
working with a speech therapist or speech-language pathologist (SLP).

Some Tips for Parents to Help a Child with Apraxia of Speech
Learning that your loved one has apraxia can be disheartening and worrisome. It
is completely normal, but you should know that you aren’t alone. Here are a few 
tips for parents of children with CAS
[https://stamurai.com/blog/childhood-apraxia-of-speech-guide-for-parents/] from
our in-house SLPs –

 * Always respond to their efforts of communication.
 * Take help from an SLP to teach your child other forms of communication.
 * Use the sounds, words, and phrases the SLP targets during therapy.
 * You can request your child to correct their speech once in a while.
 * Don’t ask too many open-ended questions.
 * Do not ask your child to repeat words that they are saying incorrectly. Talk
   to their SLP instead.

Are Speech Apraxia & Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Related?
A recent study [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26114615/]shows that childhood
apraxia of speech and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to co-occur. So, if
your child has been diagnosed with CAS, you should pay closer attention to see
if they are also showing any symptoms of ASD
[https://stamurai.com/blog/speech-and-autism/].

Consult a speech therapist for apraxia of speech to know if your child is at
risk of any other co-occurring speech-language or communication disorder.

How Can Stamurai Help In The Evaluation And Treatment Of Apraxia Of Speech?
Stamurai has licensed speech-language pathologists, who first evaluate the child
or adult with apraxia symptoms. Next, they determine the severity of the
symptoms. The SLPs devise a therapy plan based on the thorough evaluation and
assessment of childhood apraxia of speech.

However, here’s a general view of online therapy for apraxia from Stamurai –

Online Speech Therapy for Apraxia: Ages 0-3 years
The parents talk directly to the speech-language pathologist. The SLP works with
both the child and the parents to teach apraxia exercises that can improve the
movement of the lips, jaws, and tongue. The parents have to continue practicing
at home with the child to ensure the maximum efficiency of the therapy.

Online Speech Therapy for Apraxia: Ages 3-6 years
When the child is a little older, the SLP can work directly with them. Parents
should sit in, so they can also learn valuable communication skills and at-home
speech therapy exercises for apraxia of speech.

Online Speech Therapy for Apraxia: Ages 7-years and above
Older children can attend online speech therapy for apraxia of speech by
themselves. Parents receive regular updates from their speech therapist after
every session. The at-home practice of speech therapy exercises for apraxia of
speech is mandatory for older children as well!

Online Speech Therapy for Apraxia: Adults
Adults typically come to us with acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). The Stamurai
SLP will talk to the adult and, if necessary, their family members or caregivers
to find out more about the incidence of the condition. Adults can typically
attend the video therapy sessions all by themselves, but they can also ask their
loved ones to sit in with them.

Book an online consultation with a certified and experienced speech-language
therapy (SLP) for quick and accurate assessment of apraxia of speech symptoms
right away!

Online Speech Therapy for Apraxia

Online Speech Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Several muscles of our face, mouth, and lungs are put to work when we talk. If
these muscles suffer damage, talking becomes an uphill task. A person with
dysarthria may find it difficult to pronounce words clearly and speak
effortlessly.

If you or someone you know is speaking in slow slurred speech, it may be
dysarthria. It is a common outcome of a stroke or brain injury.

It can be incredibly frustrating to live with dysarthria or watch someone
struggle with this speech motor disorder.

The first step towards overcoming the helplessness and frustration caused by the
inability to express one’s thoughts is by learning more about the disorder. Find
out all about the causes, symptoms and treatments of dysarthria in adults and
children right here!

 1.  What is dysarthria?
 2.  What are the different types of dysarthria?
 3.  How is dysarthria different from aphasia and apraxia?
 4.  Is dysarthria common?
 5.  What causes dysarthria?
 6.  What are the common symptoms of dysarthria?
 7.  How is dysarthria diagnosed?
 8.  What is the treatment for dysarthria?
 9.  How can Stamurai help evaluate and treat dysarthria
 10. Tips for coping and communicating with dysarthria
 11. How to communicate with someone who has dysarthria?

1. What Is Dysarthria?
The muscles in our face, tongue, lips, and throat need to move properly to help
us talk. When these muscles become weak, talking becomes challenging. Dysarthria
[https://stamurai.com/blog/dysarthria-guide/] can happen due to brain damage
that causes weakness of the muscles in the mouth and face.

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that can range from mild to severe. It can
affect several aspects of speech. If you are suddenly experiencing slow,
mumbled, or slurred speech, you need to speak to a doctor immediately.
Dysarthria can be a result of damage to the parts of the brain that are
responsible for muscle movement. Therefore, it often occurs after a stroke or
traumatic brain injury (TMI).

Someone with dysarthria may also be unable to control the volume of their voice,
quality, and pace of their speech. Since dysarthria involves weakness of
muscles, some may also drool while speaking or face trouble alternating between
breathing and talking.

2. What Are The Different Types Of Dysarthria?
Researchers and medical professionals classify dysarthria according to the
different parts of the brain that have been affected. The classification also
depends upon the severity of the damage and the muscles that have been impacted.
As a result, there are mixed dysarthrias that have the features of multiple
types of dysarthria.

Flaccid dysarthria
Flaccid dysarthria is associated with disorders arising from the improper
functioning of the peripheral nervous system. It can affect the cranial or
spinal nerves. Flaccid dysarthria can affect your respiration, articulation,
phonation, and resonance.

Spastic dysarthria
Spastic dysarthria results from spasticity due to bilateral UMN damage. A
strained voice, slow rate of speech, and monotonicity are characteristic
features of this type of dysarthria.

Ataxic dysarthria
Damage to the cerebellum can cause ataxic dysarthria. You may experience
irregular errors in articulation, excessive stress on syllables, and
inappropriate variation in loudness. Slurred speech and poor coordination may
also be present in someone with ataxic dysarthria.

Hypokinetic dysarthria
Hypokinetic dysarthria is a result of damage to the part of the brain
responsible for coordinating subconscious muscle movements. It is a common
manifestation of Parkinson's. Someone with hypokinetic dysarthria may have
monotonicity, variable speaking rate, reduced loudness, and breathy voice. Some
people may also experience excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and muscle
spasms/tremors.

Hyperkinetic dysarthria
Hyperkinetic dysarthria can result from damage to the part of the brain that
controls involuntary muscle movements. The defining features include abnormal
shaky voice, abnormal resonance, and prosody, prolonged intervals with sudden
forced breathing, distortion of vowels, and excessive loudness variation.
Physical features may include involuntary jaw, head & face movements, recurring
ticks, and spasms of the mouthparts.

Unilateral upper motor neuron dysarthria
The defining speech characteristics include a slow rate of speech with incorrect
articulation. The affected person will have a strained voice, reduced loudness,
and irregular articulatory breakdowns. Physical features may include unilateral
weakness in the lower face.

Mixed dysarthria
Mixed dysarthria is a combination of the various types of dysarthria we have
mentioned above. These can include flaccid-spastic dysarthria and spastic-ataxic
dysarthria.

Undetermined dysarthria
An undetermined type of dysarthria is when the defining features are consistent
with dysarthria, but they do not fit into any of the identified types of
neuromotor speech disorder.

3. How Is Dysarthria Different From Aphasia And Apraxia?
Dysarthria, apraxia, and aphasia [https://stamurai.com/blog/aphasia-vs-apraxia/] 
affect speech. It is easy to confuse their symptoms. The correct diagnosis of
any of the three disorders requires observation and assessment by a certified
speech-language pathologist (SLP).

Aphasia
Aphasia can also happen due to a stroke. While dysarthria affects a person’s
speech, aphasia impacts the way they understand language. Someone with aphasia
experiences difficulty in processing and production of language. This disorder
may affect a person’s expressive and receptive languages. Aphasia may be a
result of neurodegenerative disorders or brain tumors.

Apraxia of speech
Apraxia of speech is a neuromotor speech disorder. Childhood apraxia of speech
(CAS) is a developmental condition and children may have it since birth.
Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) may happen after a stroke, traumatic brain
injury (TBI), brain tumor, or the onset of a neurodegenerative disorder.

Those with apraxia of speech
[https://stamurai.com/blog/childhood-apraxia-of-speech-causes-symptoms-treatment/] 
find it hard to speak. However, the cause is not ‘muscle weakness.’ In this
case, the signaling pathway between the brain and the muscles of the mouth
becomes disrupted. It affects the movement and coordination of the muscles
necessary for producing intelligible speech.

4. Is Dysarthria Common?
Researchers and healthcare professionals don’t yet know how common dysarthria
is. It is more commonly observed in individuals who have neurological or
neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s, ALS, and Multiple Sclerosis
(MS).

Around 30% of people diagnosed with ALS also have dysarthria.

5. What Causes Dysarthria?
Dysarthria is a result of muscle weakness caused by damage to the parts of the
brain responsible for controlling and coordinating muscle movement. Dysarthria
may occur at birth and in that case, it is referred to as congenital dysarthria.
More commonly, it occurs later in life due to an injury or illness.

Some of the common causes of dysarthria can include –

 * Cerebral palsy (CP)
 * Stroke
 * Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
 * Brain tumors or cancer
 * Parkinson’s disease
 * Huntington’s disease
 * ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
 * Multiple sclerosis (MS)
 * Muscular dystrophy
 * Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)

Apart from damage to the brain, dysarthria may also result from damage to the
organs involved in the production of speech. Sometimes, people who have
undergone surgery on the tongue, head, or voice box may also develop dysarthria.

6. What are Common Symptoms of Dysarthria?
The signs and symptoms of dysarthria can vary depending upon the extent of
damage to the brain and the weakness of the muscles. The symptoms can range from
mild to severe.

If you have dysarthria, you may experience some or all of these symptoms –

 * Slurring of speech
 * Extremely rapid or slow speech
 * Nasal, raspy speech with a strained voice
 * The inability to speak loudly or softly as necessary
 * An abnormal rhythm of speech
 * Monotonicity of voice and prosody
 * Trouble in moving the muscles of the face (lips, jaws, and tongue)

These are some of the most common signs commonly seen in flaccid, spastic,
ataxic, and mixed dysarthria.

7. How Is Dysarthria Diagnosed?
The conclusive diagnosis of dysarthria demands thorough testing by a specialist
doctor (neurologist) and a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

If you are recovering from a stroke or brain injury, you may already have a
neurologist or neurosurgeon you can consult once the symptoms begin surfacing.

However, if you are suddenly experiencing slurred speech and difficulty in
moving the parts of your mouth, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Although these are all signs of dysarthria, a sudden onset of these symptoms may
signify a stroke or concussion. In such cases, you may have to undergo an MRI or
CT scan to determine the cause of these symptoms.

The SLP will conduct thorough evaluations of your speaking skills as a part of
treatment for Dysarthria in adults. They will determine the severity of the
disorder and at the same time, try to rule out any other speech motor disorders
that may be causing these discomforts. The tests will assess how well you can
move the muscles of your mouth & face and regulate your breathing. The SLP will
observe your speech and communication skills at length before they recommend
specific speech therapy activities for dysarthria.

8. What Is The Treatment For Dysarthria?
Dysarthria is a treatable and, sometimes, curable condition.

How your doctor can help with Dysarthria treatment
When dysarthria is caused by any medication, tongue or voice box surgery, or
dental procedure, it can typically be reversed.

Dysarthria resulting from a stroke or TBI may not get worse over time if the
patient receives proper medical attention and care. In most cases, the patient
sees a reduction in the slurring of speech and abnormal prosody as their
condition improves.

How your SLP can help with Dysarthria therapy
Congenital (due to cerebral palsy) or dysarthria due to neurodegenerative
disorders require prolonged therapy. Working with a speech language pathologist
may help you or your loved one gain better control of the muscles responsible
for speech production.

As a part of treatment for Dysarthria in adults, the SLP can work on the
following areas –

 * Slowing your speech down
 * Teaching you speech therapy exercises and muscle strengthening exercises for
   dysarthria
   [https://stamurai.com/blog/speech-therapy-exercises-for-children-with-dysarthria/]
 * Controlling your breathing and using your exhaled breath to speak louder
 * Teaching you to control the volume of your voice through training and
   Dysarthria treatment exercises
 * Saying the different sounds in words, phrases, and sentences in everyday
   conversations

When the symptoms of dysarthria are so severe that it keeps a person from
talking entirely, the SLP may focus on teaching them other ways to communicate.
For example, they may teach you how to use sign language, gestures, writing, and
electronic devices to communicate. An SLP will also work with the family to
ensure easy communication within the household.

9. How Can Stamurai Help Evaluate and Treat Dysarthria?
At Stamurai [https://stamurai.com/], we have certified and experienced SLPs who
can evaluate the severity of the dysarthria symptoms. Post evaluation, the SLP
creates a personalized therapy plan to address the speech and communication
challenges you or your loved one is facing.

Stamurai provides complete online speech therapy for Dysarthria treatment. The
treatment plan and Dysarthria speech therapy goals for each person are designed
keeping their age, symptoms, and severity in mind.

Treating Dysarthria: ages 0 to 3 years
When children are so young, their parents need to work directly with the SLP
throughout the course of dysarthria therapy. As the parent of a child with
dysarthria, you will need to learn the at-home exercises for dysarthria
treatment that you can practice with your child. Daily practice is the only way
to improve speech in a child with congenital dysarthria.

Treating Dysarthria: 3 to 6 years
Parents need to attend online dysarthria therapy sessions along with their kids.
If you are the parent of a child with dysarthria, who is between 3 and 6-years
of age, you can learn some valuable communication skills and Dysarthria
treatment exercises during the sessions. Our SLPs strongly encourage parents and
children to reinforce these lessons outside the therapy hours.

Treating Dysarthria: 7 years and older
Older children and adults can attend Dysarthria therapy video sessions on their
own. Older kids and adults with dysarthria will learn speech exercises and
muscle strengthening exercises alongside communication skills during one-on-one
online speech therapy sessions. If you are an older kid or adult with
dysarthria, you can ask your loved ones to sit with you during these treatment
sessions.

10. Tips for Coping and Communicating with Dysarthria
If you have dysarthria, it is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, and angry.
Expressing how you feel, what you think, and what you need should come
naturally. When that does not happen, negative emotions begin flooding in.

Sadly, no medication can cure dysarthria overnight. However, following these
easy tips can help you make yourself more understood –

 * Try to mention the topic before you begin talking about it. For example, say
   "dinner" before you start to say when you want it or what you want for
   dinner.
 * Always double-check with your audience to ensure that they understand you.
   You can use a simple gesture like a “thumbs up” to ensure correct
   communication.
 * Try to support your speech with relevant images. For example, if you are
   speaking about your dog, you can show your audience a photo of your dog or
   any dog before you start describing what they did.
 * Whenever you are tired, sit down, and catch your breath before you begin
   talking. An SLP should be able to show you ways of deep breathing that will
   allow you to harness the air in your lungs to speak properly.
 * If you are getting stuck, try not to talk too loud and too fast. Take a
   breather. Try to think of simpler and shorter words that your listeners can
   guess when they don’t understand your speech completely.

Effective communication does not always rely upon eloquent speeches. It depends
upon smart tactics. Use sign language, gestures, and photos or images on your
smartphone, whenever you feel the need to communicate.

11. How to Communicate With Someone Who Has Dysarthria?
If you know someone who has Dysarthria, do not forget to exercise empathy. The
individual can understand you, and they know exactly what they want to say.
However, due to their condition, they may not be able to speak properly.

Here are some easy ways to help you understand what they are saying –

 * Don’t interrupt when they are speaking. You may not be able to understand a
   few initial words, but their entire speech may give you an idea about what
   they are saying.
 * If you don’t understand what they are saying, you can politely ask them to
   repeat themselves.
 * If you don't understand what they are saying even after they repeat
   themselves, you can suggest using a notebook, drawing board, or smartphone.
 * Always repeat what you have gathered from their speech to ensure that you
   have the right message.
 * Do not treat someone differently because they have dysarthria. It is a
   neuromotor disorder and not their entire personality.
 * Always ask closed-ended questions that can be answered with a simple "yes"
   and "no."

Best Online Speech Therapy for Dysarthria

Online Speech Therapy for Early Childhood Development

The way we speak plays a significant role in how the world perceives us and how
we see ourselves. There is no set standard of masculinity and femininity. Yet,
certain qualities of voice and speech are considered more masculine, while
others are considered more feminine.

Irrespective of your gender identity, you may have a dream to sound or speak a
certain way. It does not have to fall under the conventional norms of genders.
However, to achieve these voice qualities, you will need to work hard and train
your voice with a speech-language pathologist specializing in gender-affirming
voice training in a way that’s safe for your vocal cords and mental health.

You may find it necessary to alter the way you sound to match your true self. To
bolster your self-esteem, confidence, and comfort, you should always speak to a
licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has first-hand experience in
working with transgender, agender, or genderqueer individuals.

Here are some of the questions you should be asking about gender-affirming voice
training.

 1. What is Gender-Affirming Voice Training?
 2. Who can attend gender-affirming voice therapy?
 3. How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Affect a Person’s Voice?
 4. What are the Aspects of Communication that can be modified?
 5. What can I expect in my first session?
 6. Why is Professional Guidance Recommended?
 7. What will Gender-Affirming Vocal Training Involve and Look Like?
 8. How can Stamurai help in Gender Affirming Voice training?

1. What is Gender-Affirming Voice Training?
Gender-affirming voice training is often referred to as voice therapy for
trans-gender voice modification. It is a non-surgical process that has helped
thousands of people find their voices. It is a training method or intervention
that can modify the gendered aspects of someone's voice.

The client and the speech-language pathologist explore the client's gender
identity and comfort zones before beginning the voice modification training.
Detailed discussions before the actual voice training help the voice specialist
understand what kind of vocal characteristics the client desires.

There is no imposition or judgment in the entire gender-affirming vocal training
process. The voice specialist strives to ensure that the client achieves the
vocal traits that suit their gender identity. Therefore, gender-affirming voice
training involves several individualized sessions that help the clients explore
their authentic voice qualities and communication skills.

Voice modification training for a gender-diverse person may include exploring
and adjusting the pitch, resonance, intonation, syntactical choices, non-verbal
communication, and voice quality.

The training process and goals depend entirely on the person's desires and
communication necessities. SLPs with experience in gender-affirming voice
training can help the clients achieve these goals in a safe environment.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who specialize in gender-reaffirming voice
training have a thorough understanding of voice quality, traits, and physiology.
Therefore, you can expect to  safely and effectively modify your voice as per
your personal preferences.

2. Who can attend gender-affirming voice therapy?
Gender-affirming voice therapy is open to everyone. Anyone with intentions to
modify the gendered traits of voice and communication can attend online
gender-affirming voice modification.

People across the entire gender spectrum are welcome to partake in Stamurai’s
voice training sessions.

Trans-individuals (assigned male-at-birth and assigned female-at-birth),
no-binary (enby), bigender, genderqueer, agender, gender non-conforming,
multi-gender, and cisgender individuals may seek voice modification therapy
online through our cutting-edge platform to adjust specific voice
characteristics.

3. How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Affect a Person’s Voice?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect a person’s voice quality. However,
it works differently for those receiving testosterone and those on estrogen.

Gender-affirmation voice training is the most common therapy sought by trans
individuals who were assigned male-at-birth (AMAB). It is primarily because
testosterone and estrogen have vastly different effects on the pitch.

For trans-women, who receive estrogen, their voice pitch remains almost
unchanged. It happens since their vocal cords have already been thickened by the
action of testosterone in their adolescence. Therefore, trans-women choose
non-surgical interventions like gender-affirmation voice training to learn and
reinforce gendered qualities of voice that may make them feel more comfortable,
confident, and content.

When trans-men choose HRT, they experience thickening of the vocal cords.
Testosterone has a masculizing effect on the voice. Trans-men experience the
deepening of voice within the first 2 to 5 months of receiving hormone
replacement therapy. However, the onset and extent of voice change can vary
significantly between individuals. Transmen can also choose to work with a voice
specialist. A specialist can help you modify the intonation, articulation, and
volume of your voice. You will also learn new ways to deepen the resonance of
your voice as and when required.

Irrespective of the duration and nature of your HRT you can speak to a
specialist to modify your voice according to your identity.

4. What are the Aspects of Communication that can be modified?
Gender-affirming voice training addresses several aspects of speech and
communication, such as pitch, intonation, resonance, language, nonverbal
communication, and vocabulary. However, it does not impose the supposition that
all men speak in a certain way and women speak in another way.

A professional and trained SLP always is mindful of the fact that there is an
entire spectrum of masculine and feminine vocal qualities that anyone can choose
to adopt while communicating. Behavioral voice change aims to help you find the
vocal qualities that you find most comfortable and authentic for your
personality.

You can expect each session to be tailored to meet a personal goal. When you
sign up for online speech therapy for gender-affirming voice training, your
speech-language pathologist will only focus on the areas you want to modify.

Here are some aspects of voice and communication that may be a part of your
gender-affirming voice training goals –

Pitch
Pitch is the quality of your voice that makes it sound "high" or "low." With
daily work and practice you can control and adopt a new pitch that fits your
authentic self.

Resonance
Are you loud or soft? Can you control the resonance of your voice? Or do you
desire to change the loudness and softness selectively while you work on the
pitch of your voice. Your SLP can work with you to help master resonance and
modify it as necessary.

Intonation
Intonation defines how your voice rises and falls while you speak. It is the
melodic quality of your voice, which you can modify to suit your genuine self
while working with our SLP.

Non-verbal vocalizations
Non-verbal vocalizations can include yawning, laughing, or even yelping in pain!
Our SLPs can help you adopt new nonverbal vocalizations or modify your existing
ones as per your desire.

Rate of speech
Your rate of speech is how slowly or quickly you talk.

You may also choose to work on other aspects of communication that include the
articulation of certain sounds, modification or expansion of your vocabulary,
and altering social pragmatics.

5. What can I expect in my first session?
Voice evaluation
During your first online speech therapy session with one of our certified and
highly experienced SLPs, you can expect discussions on all aspects of your voice
that you love and certain elements that you wish to change. The SLP will make
detailed notes on the qualities of your voice, such as your current pitch,
intonation, resonance, articulation, volume, and speech rate. It is known as
voice evaluation, and it will also include tests on how a person's breathing
affects their voice.

Assessment of communication skills
The professional will thoroughly assess your spoken and non-spoken communication
skills. This step will also help the SLP look at various aspects of your voice
that you want to alter.

Identification of goals
The SLP may further talk to you about short-term and long-term goals of
gender-affirming voice training and the speech therapy or exercises necessary to
achieve them. You can work with the SLP to set up personalized plans that bring
you closer to your goals.

6. Why is Professional Guidance Recommended?
Changing how you sound and talk can often be tiring for your vocal cords if not
done correctly in absence of expert supervision. Not seeking professional help
can lead to long-term damage to the vocal cords. Of course, it can be
demotivating.

When you aspire to embrace new vocal qualities, you must work with someone who
has extensive knowledge of vocal health and hygiene. Only a trained and
experienced professional can help you find your true voice in a healthy and safe
environment. While voice training sessions aren't physically painful, they may
cause mental stress.

A trained and certified SLP can help you understand your own voice and teach you
the techniques of voice training. Before every exercise, you should complete
your voice warm-ups to prevent fatigue. An SLP can guide you through a truly
transformative experience, at the end of which you will find a voice that you
will be using for a lifetime!

7. What will Gender-Affirming Vocal Training Involve and Look Like?
Gender-affirming voice training usually begins as one-on-one sessions. You may
need several 30-minutes to 1-hour sessions spread out over a couple of months.
Depending on your progress, the SLP may recommend group sessions to practice
newly acquired skills during real-world conversations.

The format of these sessions depends on the needs of the client and the methods
used by the therapists. The basic types of gender-affirming voice training may
include –

Voice feminization
Feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) uses estrogen, which doesn't
alter voice quality drastically. If you are taking GAHT, you may need to work
with an SLP to adopt new aspects of vocal communication that you believe are
authentic for your personality and gender.

Voice masculinization
Receiving masculinizing hormone therapy or testosterone will deepen your voice
and lower the pitch. You may need to chalk out a plan with your voice trainer
that reinforces the lower pitch and assume a slower speech rate.

Androgynous voice training
You may want a voice and qualities that are neither feminine nor masculine. In
that case, your SLP will work up another detailed plan that includes both
feminizing and masculinizing voice training tailored to meet your needs.

Not all voice training sessions look alike. Your gender-affirming voice training
sessions will be tailored to meet your voice needs exclusively.

8. How can Stamurai help in Gender Affirming Voice training?
The Stamurai speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are here to talk to you about
your dream voice. You will get the chance to talk at length about what you
currently dislike about your voice and what you wish to change. You will work
side-by-side with the SLP to create a completely customized plan for
gender-affirmation voice training. This is one of the chief reasons why so many
people worldwide prefer Stamurai when they are on the lookout for online speech
therapy for gender affirming voice training.

Our unique approach offers a safe and judgment-free space for all individuals
who want to modify one or more aspects of their voice.

Our SLP will never force you to change your voice or ignore your concerns.

You will receive suggestions and guidance to explore your voice, vocal hygiene,
voice physiology, and mindfulness. These sessions will be designed to be
wholesome that can aid you to explore your authentic self.

Online Speech Therapy for Gender-Affirming Voice Training

Every child begins cooing and babbling in their own time. You may have observed
that your child is either ahead or behind their peers in reaching their language
milestones. And that’s alright. Unless you notice a significant delay or a
regression of the language skills they have already learned, there is no reason
to be alarmed.

But, language disorders are all too common among children. Sometimes, it does
not depend on the family's history of speech, language, and communication
disorders. Some children find it hard to understand and use words to express
their feelings, ideas, and thoughts.

It can be a helpless and harrowing feeling as a parent. But, you must remember
that you are not alone! Instead of adopting a "wait and watch
[https://stamurai.com/blog/myths-speech-language-development-kids/]" attitude
when you first notice the signs of language disorders in your child, you need to
move forward and seek professional help. Asking for help early-on can help your
child learn new skills to make up for their language delay.

Educating yourself about language disorders is the first step towards seeking
the necessary treatment and therapy for your precious little one. So, here are
all the FAQs about language disorders, including the different types, symptoms,
causes, and treatments for language disorders.

 1.  What is a Language Disorder?
 2.  Speech disorders vs. language disorders: what’s the difference?
 3.  Are language disorders common?
 4.  Does your child have a language disorder?
 5.  What causes language disorders in children?
 6.  How does a language disorder affect a child’s life?
 7.  How are language disorders diagnosed?
 8.  What is the treatment for language disorders in children?
 9.  How can parents help a child with a language disorder?
 10. How can Stamurai evaluate and provide therapy for language disorders in
     children?
 11. What should you always ask your child’s SLP or speech therapist?
     

1. What is a Language Disorder?
A language disorder makes it difficult for an individual to communicate. Someone
with a language disorder may find it difficult to use language to express
themselves as well as understand language in spoken or written form. Language
disorders can range from the inability to construct meaningful sentences to the
inability to understand one’s native language.

Language consists of several parameters. Speech is only a part of the language.
A language disorder can affect one's vocabulary, reading abilities, gestures,
comprehension, sentence structure, and written language.

Language disorders are classified into two main types –

Language disorder type #1: Expressive language disorder
Children and adults with an expressive language disorder
[https://stamurai.com/blog/expressive-language-disorder-in-kids/] may struggle
to form grammatically correct & meaningful sentences, use new words, narrate
their daily experiences, or make their needs known through spoken language.
Although expressive language disorder primarily affects verbal communication, it
may also have an impact on a person's writing skills. Struggling with expressive
language disorder can be incredibly frustrating for children; they are aware of
their needs & wants, but have a difficult time expressing them.

Language disorder type #2: Receptive language disorder
Individuals with receptive language disorder have trouble understanding spoken
and written language. If your child has trouble understanding what you say (on
most occasions), it may be a sign of receptive language disorder. They may not
have a hearing impairment, but they still have trouble extracting meaning from
what they hear. As a result, they may not be able to respond to questions. Or,
they may respond atypically - in a way that doesn't make much sense to the
audience.

Children may experience symptoms of both expressive and receptive language
disorders. In such cases, they may have trouble using/understanding language.

2. Speech disorders vs. language disorders: what’s the difference?
It is easy to confuse speech disorders with language disorders. They do have
some overlapping elements, but they are distinct. It is important to correctly
identify the type of disorder to seek appropriate and timely treatment.

Here’s an easy example that can help you tell the difference between the two –

Marc and Stephen are of the same age. They are friends, and they go to the same
elementary school. Marc has trouble saying the /r/ sounds. You can often hear
him say "Wabbit" instead of "rabbit." However, Marc can say sentences like "the
wabbit has big ears." On the other hand, Stephen cannot form complete sentences.
He says something like "rabbit…big ear."

Since Marc can form grammatically correct sentences to express himself, he
doesn't have a language disorder. However, errors in his pronunciation indicate
that he might have a speech disorder. Stephen cannot use spoken words to express
himself. He may have a language disorder.

In both cases, outsiders will have difficulty understanding what the children
are saying, but for different reasons. Both instances warrant a thorough
evaluation by an experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP) for diagnosis and
speech therapy.

3. Are language disorders common?
Around 3.3% of children between the ages of 3 and 17-years have had a language
disorder
[https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language#ftn1] 
that lasted for a week or longer. About 5% of children exhibit some symptoms of
a language disorder.

4. Does your child have a language disorder?
Children may have language disorders from a very early age. However, the signs
and symptoms may not become apparent unless they are old enough to use more
complicated language. Language disorders can manifest differently in different
children. While some may have a problem using spoken language or reading, others
may have trouble understanding what's being said to them.

If you notice any of the signs listed below, you should speak with your child’s
pediatrician or an SLP for accurate diagnosis of language disorders.

Children with a receptive language disorder –

 * May have trouble understanding what people say.
 * May have problems learning new words.
 * May experience difficulty following directions & instructions.
 * May be unable to understand new ideas & concepts.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a child older than
18-months should be able to follow simple one-step directions or instructions.
By the time they are 30-months old, they should be able to respond to questions
with language or gestures. Your child should be able to follow two-step
directions by their third birthday and use spoken language to communicate their
ideas. If these milestones aren’t achieved progressively, your child may have a
language disorder.

Children with an expressive language disorder -

 * May not be able to use words correctly or form full sentences.
 * May have trouble narrating or holding a conversation.
 * May not be able to ask questions or express their needs.
 * May also have problems reciting poems or singing songs.

Many of these symptoms are seen in younger children; but if such signs persist
in a child older than 3-years without any improvement, you should speak to an
SLP.

5. What causes language disorders in children?
Language disorders can have multiple causes. One or more factors can be at play
to cause various symptoms of a language disorder. Often, a child’s language
disorder can be associated with health issues such as –

 * Injury or damage to the brain areas responsible for processing & producing
   language.
 * A history of brain tumor or cancer.
 * Congenital conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP).
 * Chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome & Fragile X syndrome.
 * Premature birth and extremely low birth weight (lower than 5.5 lb. or 2.5
   kg).
 * Other complications such as prenatal malnutrition, fetal alcohol syndrome,
   and exposure to other toxins before birth.

A combination of genetics and environment play a significant role in the onset
of language disorders. A child with a family history of speech and language
disorders is at a greater risk.

6. How does a language disorder affect a child’s life?
A language disorder can keep a child from expressing themselves. They may lag
behind in class because they are unable to follow instructions. They may not be
able to read and write as well as other children their age. Interacting with
peers, making friends, and having a blooming social life may become extremely
difficult for a child with a language disorder.

Untreated language disorders can affect a child's quality of life adversely.
Since language disorders typically don't "sort themselves out," a child who
isn't receiving timely treatment for a language disorder may be looking at a
lonesome adulthood without a satisfactory career or job. Children may grow up
with social isolation, depression, social anxiety, and low self-esteem due to
the lack of language disorder treatment.

The best way to address a language disorder is through early intervention. If
your child is showing signs of a language disorder, you need to speak with their
healthcare professional or a speech language pathologist right away. Talking to
a professional and getting a thorough assessment and diagnosis are the first few
steps toward therapy for language disorders in children.

7. How are language disorders diagnosed?
For an early intervention of language disorders in your child, you will need a
confirmed diagnosis of the disorder. The signs and symptoms of a language
disorder can be diverse. Therefore, you will need the help of a speech-language
pathologist (SLP) to assess and evaluate your child's language and communication
skills.

The toddler years are of utmost importance for proper language development. If
you have noticed that your child is having trouble understanding or using
language, you should speak to their healthcare professional immediately. Their
doctor may begin by observing and asking a few questions about your child's
language habits. The healthcare professional may ask about your family history
of speech and language disorders and your child's medical history.

After testing their hearing abilities and running a few routine tests, your GP
or pediatrician may refer your child to an SLP. The doctor or SLP will give your
child a few simple yet thorough tests that assess their language skills. These
tests will help the SLP determine if your child is experiencing a language
delay.

Here are a few things the SLP might check during the assessment –

 * Whether your child can use spoken language as well as their peers to
   communicate
 * Whether your child has a vocabulary appropriate for their age
 * If your child can hold a conversation with others
 * If your child can understand what’s being said to them

Getting a professional opinion is the first step towards an early intervention
of language disorders in children. If you have reason to believe that your child
is suffering a language delay, do not wait. Talk to your pediatrician
immediately or book a consultation with Stamurai for a thorough online
assessment of your child’s language abilities.

8. What is the treatment for language disorders in children?
The treatment for language disorders in children will depend upon the nature of
the disorder, your child's age, and the severity of the condition.

Only an SLP can determine the true nature, cause, and severity of the condition.
Therefore, before you employ DIY or at-home speech therapy exercises for
language disorders, you should talk to a specialist. Always stick to exercises
and activities that an SLP or speech therapist recommends.

Every child masters language and communication skills differently. The SLP will
work with you and your child to tailor a plan that suits your child’s unique
needs. The SLP may recommend activities and exercises for a child with language
disorders –

 * Activities to enjoy and reinforce communication through play
 * Activities that use visual & tactile cues like photos, picture cards, books,
   and objects to promote language development

Remember, there is no overnight cure for language disorders. Even with early
diagnosis and intervention, it may take a couple of weeks or even months to see
any noticeable change in your child's language and communication. The
improvement will depend upon your child's age, family history, and the severity
of the language disorder.

9. How can parents help a child with a language disorder?
Find a therapist or SLP you trust
Talk to your pediatrician and other healthcare professionals to find a qualified
and experienced SLP. Always double-check that they have the accreditation to
treat your child. If necessary, talk to a behavioral therapist, audiologist, and
your child's room teacher to help them through the process. Here at Stamurai,
you can consult a licensed speech language pathologist having significant
experience in treating language disorders in children anytime.

Talk to the therapist
No one will know the needs of your child better than you do. You will know what
your child likes or dislikes. You are aware of their learning preferences,
intelligence, and shortcomings. Be sure to communicate everything the therapist
needs to know before working on the treatment plan.

Communicate with your child
Become a speech and communication model for your child. You spend the most time
at home with them; so, talk to them slowly and enunciate. If you have trouble
understanding what your child says, be polite while asking them to repeat it.
Never answer questions or finish a sentence on their behalf.

Bring speech therapy home
An hour of online sessions or spending one evening at the SLP's office is never
enough for a child. Work with the SLP to learn the speech therapy activities
[https://stamurai.com/blog/kids-language-development-tips/] and exercises you
can do with your child at home daily. You need to have patience and persistence
 to see your child's language skills improve.

10. How can Stamurai evaluate and provide therapy for language disorders in
children?
Stamurai offers online speech therapy and treatment for language disorders. The
team consists of certified and experienced speech therapists who evaluate and
assess the language abilities of your child.

The interactions with your SLP will depend on the age of your child.

Online speech therapy for language disorders for children between 0-3 years old
Very young children always benefit from indirect speech therapy. Parents are
directly involved in the sessions. You will work with the therapist to learn new
techniques and activities that you can perform at home with your child to
augment their language and communication skills. You can provide your feedback
directly to the therapist during the next session.

Online speech therapy for language disorders for children between 3 and 6-years
old
Parents can attend video sessions with children. They can acquire valuable
communication and language skills. You can practice these skills with your child
outside the sessions.

Online speech therapy for language disorders for children aged 7-years and up
Children older than 7-years can attend therapy video sessions independently.
However, parents can sit in during these sessions. You may request the therapist
to provide regular updates on your child's progress. You can also receive
personalized tips to improve your child’s language & communication skills at
home.

Online speech therapy for language disorders in adults
Adults are always welcome to attend the sessions by themselves. However, they
can choose to bring their loved ones as well.

11. What you should ask your child’s SLP or speech therapist?
Before choosing a speech therapist for your child, you should always ask a few
questions.

 * Is my child exhibiting signs of a language disorder?
 * What are some of the most prominent signs of language disorders?
 * Is there a way to tell how severe their language disorder is?
 * Can this particular language disorder affect my child's education, school
   life, relationships, and career prospects later on?
 * Will there be any improvement in their language skills over time? What are
   some changes I can expect to see?
 * Does my child need the help of a behaviorist or child psychologist?
 * Is there a chance that my child’s language disorder is a manifestation of a
   developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
 * Will their language disorder affect their ability to communicate?
 * What kind of special attention and care will my child need?
 * Where can I learn more about language disorders to help my child?

Best Online Speech Therapy for Language Disorders

When your child says "swing" does it sound like "thwing"? Does your child say,
"thee" instead of "see"? Although undeniably cute, there’s a possibility that
your child has a lisp.

Imperfections are part of the natural language acquisition process for all
children. However, if your child has been mispronouncing /s/ and /z/ as /th/
sounds for a few months, you cannot shake off the possibility that they might
have a lisp.

Lisping can be temporary; it may disappear as your child grows older. However,
in many cases, lisps simply do not go away on their own. Children and even
adults may require the help of a speech therapist or speech-language pathologist
(SLP) to overcome their speech problems. Continuous lisping can cause a child to
lose confidence in their communication skills.

As a parent, or an adult with a lisp, you can learn more about the speech
condition, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment right here.

 1.  What is a Lisp?
 2.  What are the Different Types of Lisp?
 3.  Tongue Thrust vs. Lisp: What’s the Difference?
 4.  Can Lisping Affect a Person’s Life?
 5.  What Causes a Lisp?
 6.  How is a Lisp Recognized and Diagnosed?
 7.  What Is The Treatment For Lisps?
 8.  How Can Lisps Affect Adults?
 9.  How Can Stamurai Help You Or Your Loved One With Lisp Assessment And
     Treatment?
 10. How Can Parents Help A Child Who Lisps?

1. What Is A Lisp?
Lisp is a common speech impairment. Lisping causes a person to mispronounce
sibilant sounds such as /s/, /z/, /ts/, and /dz/. If a person has a lisp, they
may say /th/ when they are trying to say /z/ or /s/. An example of a lisp is
when someone wants to say “sleep” but ends up saying “theep.”

Lisps are caused by the incorrect placement of one's tongue in their mouth while
speaking. During a lisp, the person's tongue generally touches, protrudes, or
pushes against their teeth.

There are four different types of lisps depending on the person’s tongue
placement and other characteristics. The differences may be subtle, but they are
important for making the correct diagnosis.

2. What are the Different Types of Lisp?

Lisp Type #1: Frontal Lisp or Interdental Lisp
Interdental lisps or frontal lisps happen when the tongue pushes forward and
peeks from behind the front teeth. Frontal lisp treatment
[https://stamurai.com/blog/frontal-lisp-speech-therapy-exercises/] includes
speech therapy for children and adults.

Lisp Type #2: Palatal Lisp
A person may have trouble saying /s/ or /z/ correctly when their tongue rolls
back and pushes against the roof of the mouth (palate). This type of lisp
involves the soft palate or the roof of the mouth.

Lisp Type #3: Lateral Lisp
A person is said to have a lateral lisp when their tongue is at an almost normal
position, but the air still manages to escape from one or both sides of their
mouth while they talk. Sometimes, people also call it a slushie lisp because it
sounds "wet" or "spitty".

Lisp Type #4: Dentalized Lisp
If a person has a dentalized lisp, the person’s tongue directs airflow forward
by pushing against their front teeth. It may produce a “muffled” sound.

A lisp may become visible when a child is around 2-years old. As toddlers begin
to string words together to form sentences, it becomes easier to spot the unique
features of their speech such as lisps.

According to SLPs, dentalized and interdental lisps are common during a child's
early language development phase. Your child may experience either form of lisps
up until four-and-half years of age. During a child's language development
phase, it becomes incredibly difficult to estimate whether the lisp is going to
last or if they will grow out of it within a couple of months. Therefore, it is
a good idea to consult an experienced speech language pathologist, especially if
your child is lisping after their fourth birthday.

On the other hand, palatal and lateral lisps are not a common part of a child’s
language acquisition journey. If your child is showing signs of palatal or
lateral lisping, you should speak to an SLP immediately.

3. Tongue Thrust Vs. Lisp: What’s The Difference?
Tongue thrust is a myofunctional disorder that involves the muscles of the mouth
and face. In tongue thrust, the tongue moves forward prominently when the person
is either talking or swallowing. In this disorder, the tongue may sit too
forward in the mouth or push against a person’s teeth at almost all times.

Tongue thrusting can cause a person to misarticulate or mispronounce while
speaking. It may sound similar to a lisp.

Tongue thrusting can also cause a person to lisp.

Not treating tongue thrusting on time can lead to permanent dental issues.
Therefore, it is important to get your child evaluated by an SLP followed by a
dental surgeon, if necessary, to correct a tongue thrust.

4. Can Lisping Affect a Person’s Life?
Any speech impairment can have a severely negative impact on a person’s life.
While lisping may seem innocuous since it does not affect the speaker’s
understandability, it may take a toll on the speaker’s self-confidence and
self-esteem.

Parents often feel concerned that their children may be bullied or teased by
their classmates due to their lisps. Children may feel anxious while speaking in
public. A lisp may affect a child's personal growth and mental health in the
long run.

Many adults who lisp feel embarrassed and frustrated during conversations. They
shy away from public speaking and socializing. The effects of lisping can follow
a child into their adolescence and adulthood. Although small, this speech
impairment can keep your child from achieving their full potential.

Lisps can affect you or your loved one and their quality of life. Thankfully,
there are therapies and treatments for lisps that can either remove it or
minimize its impact.

5. What Causes a Lisp?
In most cases, the incorrect placement of one's tongue in the mouth causes a
lisp. However, other factors can contribute to a lisp. Other common causes of a
lisp include -

 * A child who has learned to pronounce the syllables and sounds incorrectly may
   speak with a lisp
 * Incorrect or atypical alignment of the jaw can cause a person to lisp
 * Tongue-tie or attachment of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth resulting
   in restricted movement can cause a lisp
 * A tongue thrust may also cause a lisp in a child or an adult

To know more about what is causing your or your child’s lisp, you should speak
to a healthcare professional and a licensed speech pathologist at the earliest.

6. How is a Lisp Recognized and Diagnosed?
In most cases, parents, teachers, school nurses, and pediatricians can
understand if a child is lisping. Primary healthcare professionals can refer you
to an SLP or speech therapist. An SLP is a qualified professional who has the
knowledge, training, and resources to assess, evaluate and treat individuals
with speech problems such as lisps.

Lisps can be of different types and they can vary in severity. Lisping can
affect your child’s speech and communication skills. If you think your child has
a lisp, it is a good idea to talk to a speech therapist or SLP.

Here’s what an SLP will check to assess your child’s speech –

 * Your child’s medical history
 * The anatomy of their mouth and tongue placement
 * The presence of tongue-tie or tongue thrust
 * Your child's social communication skills, language skills, and speech fluency
 * The presence and absence of other speech disorders or impediments that can
   better explain a lisp-like condition

Only after a thorough assessment and evaluation, the SLP will work with you and
your child to set up a therapy plan. In some early cases of lisping, the SLP may
recommend waiting for a couple of weeks before starting treatment. In some very
young children, a lisp may disappear naturally over time.

7. What Is The Treatment For Lisps?
A lisp may be a habit or it may occur due to the incorrect anatomy of one's
mouth. Since habits become harder to break over time, the earlier you seek
treatment for your child's lisp, the higher their chances of recovery.

Once a skilled speech language pathologist analyses your child’s lisp and
identifies the potential causes, they can develop a bespoke plan for your child
to achieve their communication goals.

The typical lisp treatment plan for a child may include –

 * Exercises to increase the child’s awareness of where they are placing their
   tongue while speaking.
 * Increasing the child’s awareness about different speech sounds
 * Learning how to distinguish seemingly similar speech sounds
 * Recognizing the target speech sounds and producing them correctly each time
 * Teaching the child ways to pronounce complex languages – consonant & vowel
   combinations, and spontaneous sentences correctly
 * Providing real-life settings to the child for the practice of correct
   pronunciations  outside the therapy setup

Every child struggling with lisps comes with unique needs. Therefore the
intensity and frequency of lisp treatment vary for each child. Some children may
see significant improvement within a couple of weeks, while others may require a
good few months to speak without lisps.

The duration and intensity of lisp treatment will depend upon your child's age,
how long they have been lisping, the frequency and type of lisp, other
developmental conditions that affect their communication, the frequency of
at-home practice, and awareness of mispronunciations, and their ability to
self-correct.

8. How Can Lisps Affect Adults?
Adults may also lisp. The truth is – it’s never too late to seek treatment for
lisping. Even you can benefit from speech therapy for lisp in adults.

You may be an adult who lisps because your lisp was never addressed by a speech
therapist when you were young. It may result in repressed feelings of
resentment, frustration, embarrassment, low confidence, and low self-esteem.

Therefore, most adults who seek treatment for lisps may also have to consider
meeting with a counselor to address their negative feelings about speech and
communication.

If you are an adult who lisps but doesn't want to seek treatment, that's alright
too! As long as you are comfortable with the uniqueness of your speech, you
should not feel forced to seek treatment for lisping.

Speech therapy for lisp in adults
[https://stamurai.com/blog/lisp-in-adults-causes-and-how-speech-therapy-helps/] 
is similar to lisp treatment in children. You need to speak to an SLP to
commence your treatment. The SLP will assess and evaluate your lisp and design a
plan suited for your needs.

An additional challenge for adults is to find a local speech therapist who has a
flexible schedule. However, you can bypass this problem by seeking speech
therapy online for lisp.

Here at Stamurai, we can connect you to skilled & licensed speech language
pathologists  who have the experience and knowledge to treat lisps and other
speech disorders in adults.

9. How Can Stamurai Help You Or Your Loved One With Lisp Assessment And
Treatment?
Stamurai has a team of certified speech therapists. We match each family with a
highly trained speech therapist who can evaluate the individual’s speech and
devise an online treatment plan for lisps. Speech therapy for lisps is provided
online via one-on-one video conferencing to the client by the SLP.

The age of the client or child, and their cognition will influence their
interactions with the therapist.

Online Speech Therapy for Lisps: Ages 0 to 3-years
A child between the ages of 0 to 3-years is incapable of following the
instructions from an SLP via video calling. The parents of such a child will
have to work directly with the SLP during the online therapy sessions to learn
about different exercises and at-home practices to reduce lisping.

Online Speech Therapy for Lisps: Ages 3 to 6-years
Parents of toddlers and primary school-aged children can sit in during the video
conferencing. They can learn valuable skills and lisp speech therapy exercises
that can help the child overcome lisping. Parents can talk to the SLP directly
to receive cues and tips for at-home skill-building. Parents receive direct
feedback from the SLP and Stamurai team on the child's performance.

Online Speech Therapy for Lisps: Ages 7-years and above
Older children can attend the speech therapy video sessions alone, but parents
can choose to participate in the process. The Stamurai team keeps parents in the
loop with regular updates from each session.

Online Speech Therapy for Lisps: Adults
Adults can attend the video sessions alone or they can invite their family or
friend to sit with them. If you attend Stamurai’s online speech therapy sessions
for lisps and other such language & communication disorders, you will receive
feedback, updates, and progress reports from our speech pathologists as per
request.

10. How Can Parents Help A Child Who Lisps?
You will receive some useful tips from the SLP once your child begins treatment
for lisp. Nonetheless, here are some suggestions from our SLPs for all parents
who want to help their child overcome lisping.

Tip #1 to Help A Child Who Lisps: Become a Model for Correct Speech
Young children spend most of their time at home around their parents. It is the
best opportunity for you to model correct speech for your children.

To model speech, ensure that you speak slowly, clearly, and correctly. Whenever
saying a word that's new or unfamiliar, enunciate and break them down into
syllables for your child to follow.

Always maintain normal eye contact while speaking to your child. If they
continue to lisp, you can gently ask them to correct themselves. If your child
is unaware of their mispronunciation and continues to lisp, do not ask them to
repeat an incorrect pronunciation.

Tip #2 to Help A Child Who Lisps: Use the Mirror Technique
It is especially useful for school-aged children. You can stand in front of a
mirror with your child, where both your faces are visible. Practice the /s/ and
/z/ sounds and request your child to mimic your pronunciations.

Speak to an SLP to learn new ways of teaching your child to make the correct
mouth movements.

Tip #3 to Help A Child Who Lisps: Drink From a Straw
While this technique seems simple, it works for children who may be lisping only
due to incorrect placement of their tongue while speaking. Encourage your child
to drink from a straw. Buy a bunch of colorful bamboo or metal straws to remain
eco-friendly while continuing with the lisp speech therapy exercises.

Tip #4 to Help A Child Who Lisps: Learn and Teach the Butterfly Technique
It is a common technique used in speech therapy. According to this technique,
prolong the /i/ when you say words like “tin” or “bin.” Feel how the edges of
your tongue rise ever-so-slightly when you make the /i/ sounds like the wings of
a butterfly.

Now, try to make /s/ and /z/ sounds while holding your tongue in the same
position. Teaching this technique to your child will help them learn the correct
position of the tongue while talking.

Tip #5 to Help A Child Who Lisps: Slowly Stop the Thumb-Sucking
Don't be abrupt or rude about it. However, you can encourage your child by using
positive reinforcements to stop thumb-sucking. Thumb-sucking can disrupt how the
tongue is naturally placed while talking and it can cause dental issues.
Theoretically, it can worsen lisping in children.

Online Speech Therapy For Lisp

Speech and language development takes place naturally in young children. A child
will begin following language almost as soon as they are born and they will
begin mimicking speech by the time they are only 6-months old. However, reading
is a skill that a parent or caregiver needs to teach a child actively. A child
cannot pick up reading skills simply by observing a parent or adult.

Learning to read is typically influenced by several other skills related to
speech and language development. Some children take more time than others to
acquire reading skills. However, it is typical for most children to learn to
read by the age of 6 or 7 years.

If your child is struggling with reading readiness, you can consult an
experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP has the training and
experience to help your child in the following areas –

 * Comprehension of language
 * Vocabulary
 * Fluency
 * Phonics
 * Phonemic awareness

Phonemic awareness refers to a person’s ability to identify the individual
sounds in spoken words and manipulate them.

A child’s phonological awareness skills are a reliable predictor of their
reading readiness. Therefore, SLPs work towards improving a child’s speech and
language skills if they are struggling with reading.

What are Some of the Risk Factors that Increase Reading Difficulties?
 * Children who have experienced a speech and language delay may experience
   reading difficulties
 * A family history of learning disabilities and reading difficulties
 * A child who has had limited exposure to oral and written language in their
   early developmental years
 * Any disability that affects the oral language acquisition of a child, such as 
   childhood apraxia of speech
   [https://stamurai.com/blog/childhood-apraxia-of-speech-causes-symptoms-treatment/] 
   (CAS), aphasia [https://stamurai.com/blog/aphasia-vs-apraxia/], or a
   phonological disorder can also precede reading difficulties

How can Stamurai Help with Reading Readiness?
If your child is of the age to read by themselves, but they are struggling with
learning to read, you can opt for online speech therapy for reading readiness. 

Our experienced speech-language pathologists are here to help! 

They will first assess your child for the presence of one or more speech and
language disorders.

Stamurai [https://stamurai.com/] provides a complete online platform for
e-therapy. Parents can directly speak with the SLP to learn new techniques that
can boost their child’s reading abilities. Our SLPs will provide you with the
necessary material and guidance that can supplement your child’s early reading
skills.

Online Speech Therapy for Reading Readiness

Some children take around a month or two longer than the others to say their
first words and that's alright in some cases. Since all children follow their
inherent timeline, it becomes challenging for parents to understand if their
child has a speech delay. A child may be a late talker, or they may be showing
signs of severe speech delay. Instead of waiting and watching, parents should
talk to a qualified & experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP) about their
observations and doubts.

Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about speech delay, the causes of
speech delay, signs and symptoms of speech delay in children, and the available
treatment options.

 1. What Is Considered A Speech Delay?
 2. Speech Delay vs. Language Delay: What’s The Difference?
 3. Does Your Child Have A Speech Delay?
 4. How Does An SLP Diagnose Speech Delays In Children?
 5. What Can Cause Speech Delay in A Child?
 6. How Can Parents Support Speech Development Of A Child With Speech Delay?
 7. At-Home Exercises Parents Can Practice With Children to Reduce Speech Delay
 8. How Can Stamurai Help A Child With Speech Delay?
 9. What Are Some Questions About Speech Delay And Speech Therapy You Should Be
    Asking Your SLP?
    

1. What Is Considered A Speech Delay?
Infants begin crying and cooing between 6 and 8-weeks of age. These are their
first attempts to communicate. At around 6-months of age, a toddler begins to
babble. Soon they begin to mimic speech sounds. A neurotypical child should be
able to say their first words by their first birthday. Typically, a 2-year-old
can say around 50 words, and a 3-year-old can say around 1000 words.

When a child is unable to reach these speech milestones on time, experts may
call it a speech delay or alalia. Speech delay affects as many as 10% of all
preschool children.

Early diagnosis of speech delay by an SLP can save your child years of therapy.
Today, speech delays can be effectively treated via therapy. Early interventions
have better outcomes for children who have a speech delay.

2. Speech Delay vs. Language Delay: What’s The Difference?
The terms “speech delay” and “language delay” are often used interchangeably by
several people, albeit incorrectly.

Speech is only a part of spoken language. It is the act of making sounds and
words. A child with speech delay may not say their first words even when they
are 16 or 18-months old. A toddler with speech delay may be able to form 2 to
3-word sentences, but it may be difficult to understand them. The child may not
be able to express their thoughts and ideas using the correct word sounds.

These are all signs of speech delay. It can be frustrating and heartbreaking for
a parent to not understand what their child is saying.

On the other hand, a child with language delay may be able to produce the
correct sounds and words, but they can’t use these words to make decipherable
sentences.

Most children have either a speech delay or a language delay. However, some may
have both speech and language delays. Since telling speech and language delays
apart may be impossible for an untrained individual, it is imperative to talk to
an SLP about your child's symptoms for proper assessment & diagnosis.

3. Does Your Child Have A Speech Delay?
It may be difficult for a parent to understand if their child is a late-talker
[https://stamurai.com/blog/is-my-child-a-late-talker/] or if they indeed have a
speech delay. So, we have put together the common signs of speech delay by age
group.

Speech Delay in Children Aged 6-9-months
A child between the ages of 6 and 9-months should babble and coo. They should
especially coo in response to a known voice or face. Babbling precedes talking.
If your 9-month-old isn't babbling yet, it may be one of the early signs of
speech delay.In that case, you need to speak to your pediatrician and an SLP.

Speech Delay in Children Aged 12-months
A 12-month-old child should be saying their first words. They should say "mama",
"dada", "papa" or something similar with intent. They may even try to imitate
two or three-syllable words that they commonly hear.

Speech Delay in Children Aged 18-months
An 18-month-old child who doesn't use at least 4 to 10 words, but uses gestures
and vocalizations only is at a high risk of speech delay. Another sign of speech
delay in an 18-month-old child is difficulty imitating sounds.

Speech Delay in Children Aged 24-months
If your 2-year-old toddler cannot produce words spontaneously or uses fewer than
50 words repeatedly, they may be experiencing speech delay. 70% of the speech of
a typical 24-month-old should be understood by strangers. However, if they are
mostly using gestures and a lion's share of their speech is incomprehensible,
then the child may have a speech delay.

Speech Delay in Children Aged 36-months
A 3-year-old should be able to count up to 3, use 3-5 word sentences, and be
understood 80-90% of the time. If your toddler isn't speaking yet, using very
few words, or cannot speak intelligibly, these are telltale signs of speech
delay in a 3-year-old.

Here is a checklist of the speech milestones
[https://stamurai.com/blog/children-speech-checklists/] you can refer to if you
have reason to believe that your child is experiencing delayed speech.

4. How Does An SLP Diagnose Speech Delays In Children?
An SLP will conduct an initial evaluation of your child’s speech and language
skills. They may ask you multiple questions about your child’s medical history
and your family’s history of speech and language delays.  A thorough medical
history and examination are crucial for the diagnosis of speech delay in younger
children.

In many cases, the professional will prepare an account of maternal illnesses
during pregnancy, and other complications during and post-birth, such as
infections, asphyxia, use of ototoxic medication, and psychological history.
This information will help the professional rule out physiological causes of
speech delay such as hearing problems.

Physical examination of the child’s mouth and other parts involved in the
production of speech is also critical during complete evaluation.

Sometimes, children with speech delays also experience language delays.
Therefore, you can expect the SLP to ask questions about –

 * How much your child understands spoken language (receptive language)
 * How your child expresses themselves in most situations (expressive language)
 * The oral-motor health of your child (the proper functioning of their jaws,
   lips, tongue, and palate, and their ability to swallow)

After taking the results and reports from multiple rounds of assessment and
evaluation the SLP may recommend speech therapy for your child.

5. What Can Cause Speech Delay in A Child?
Speech delay may mean that your child is not meeting the speech milestones on
time. They may or may not eventually catch up with their peers depending upon
the underlying cause(s) of speech delay.

Here are some of the common causes of speech delay in children
[https://stamurai.com/blog/causes-of-speech-delay-in-children/] –

Oral-motor impairments
Several children with oral-motor delays experience speech delay. In such a case,
the chief cause is physiological rather than psychological. The underlying cause
may be as simple as a tongue-tie or relatively more complex like childhood
apraxia of speech (CAS).

Nonetheless, a child going through speech delay needs to undergo a thorough
evaluation by an SLP. Some oral motor problems require a simple surgery, while
others demand prolonged and intense speech therapy.

Hearing Loss
Maternal infections during pregnancy like German measles, use of ototoxic drugs,
or recurring ear infections can lead to hearing loss in a child. A child with
compromised hearing is likely to have trouble making word sounds or saying
words.

You can check if your child has hearing loss by doing a small test at home. A
child older than 1-year should be able to look at objects when you name them.
However, if your child only looks at the object when you use gestures there’s a
high chance that they have hearing loss.

The signs of compromised hearing in children may be very subtle. Sometimes,
delayed speech is the only visible sign. It is always a good idea to consult a
pediatrician or SLP if you notice a speech or language delay.

Developmental Speech and Language Disorder
Developmental speech and language disorders may be a result of anomalies in the
brain structure and functions. Children with developmental speech-language
disorders may experience problems in producing speech sounds, and
understanding/producing spoken language.

Developmental disorders may lead to learning disorders later in life. Speech and
language delays may be early signs of learning disability in children.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition. The exact causes of
ASD are unknown. Each individual with ASD may have varying sets of signs and
symptoms.

One of the common signifiers of ASD is a social communication disorder
[https://stamurai.com/blog/social-communication-disorder/]. Children with ASD
may also have moderate to severe speech and language delays. In many cases, a
speech delay is a sign of ASD. Learn more about speech delay vs. autism
[https://stamurai.com/blog/speech-delay-vs-autism/] right here.

The severity of speech delay due to ASD can be reduced with the help of speech
therapy. SLPs recommend early intervention for children for the best possible
results. Consult a speech therapist for speech delay treatment that can enhance
your child’s speech skills.

Lack of Auditory Stimulation
When a child grows up in an environment that is not rich in speech sounds and
interactions, they may not develop speech and language skills on time. Children
need to hear spoken language to be able to speak.

Lack of verbal stimulation can lead to a child experiencing a speech delay.

Other Neurological Problems
Some neurological problems (which may be present since birth) can affect how the
muscles needed for speaking move and coordinate with each other. Speech delay
may be a sign of congenital or hereditary neurological disorders in children.

6. How Can Parents Support Speech Development Of A Child With Speech Delay?
Start at the very beginning. Begin talking to your child at birth and continue
speaking to them normally (about your day, what you are doing, or read to them)
even when they are too young to respond.

 * Acknowledge your baby’s coos and babbling. Respond to them with positive
   signals.
 * Play peek-a-boo or patty-cake with your baby.
 * Read books, recite poetry and sing songs to your child whenever you have the
   time.
 * Talk to your baby throughout the day. Narrate what you are doing, what you
   are thinking, or where other people are.
 * Give them your full attention whenever they are trying to communicate with
   you.
 * If they are old enough to talk and respond, always wait after you ask them a
   question.
 * Expand on what they are saying. For example, if they say "toy" you can say,
   "Do you want that toy?"

Children make plenty of mistakes while they rapidly acquire speech and language
skills. Do not correct their mistakes
[https://stamurai.com/blog/mistakes-parents-make-when-children-have-speech-delays/] 
abrasively and frequently. If they are mispronouncing, you can model the word
and request them to repeat it after you.

7. At-Home Exercises Parents Can Practice With Children to Reduce Speech Delay
Spend a couple of extra minutes doing these exercises for speech delay in
toddlers to reduce their speech delay
[https://stamurai.com/blog/exercises-speech-delay-toddlers/].

Allot a Fixed Reading Time
Leaving your TV or music system on for your infant or toddler will not boost
their speech. Children need interaction to hone speech skills.

Read to your child before bedtime. Pick out books that have lots of colorful
illustrations and images. Encourage them to repeat sounds and words. For
example, while reading a book on animals, you can ask your toddler, “what does
the cow say” and repeat “moo” with them. It can be fun as well as educational
for your child.

Practice Narrating And Self-Talk
It is an age-old, proven technique to boost speech skills in an infant or
toddler. Children who grow up in a language and conversation-rich environment,
tend to pick up speech and language skills quickly.

You can ensure that by describing what you are doing, and where you are going to
your child whenever they are in earshot. For example, if you are washing
vegetables, say “we are washing vegetables.” When you are playing with cars,
describe each one, such as, “yellow car,” or “red truck.”

Repeat the words a few times for your child to grasp the sounds. It doesn’t
matter if they are too young to respond. Repeating the simple two-word or
three-word phrases will actively stimulate your child’s speech and language
centers.

Use Parallel Talk
Parallel talk is similar to self-talk, but you will use parallel talk to
describe your child’s activities. For example, if it’s dinner time, you can
begin picking up each item in front and name them, such as “spoon,” “veggies,”
“carrot,” and “milk.”

Once your child begins to talk, be sure to add to what they are saying. For
example, if they say “juice,” respond by saying “Juice. Do you want more juice?”

Expand Your Child’s Speech
Once your toddler is saying one and two-word phrases, you need to begin
expanding on your child’s speech.

When they point at a toy and name it, be sure to expand on their speech. For
example, maybe your child points at the ball and says “ball.” You can say,
“Yellow ball” or “play ball” in response. It is a proven technique to boost a
child’s vocabulary.

Sing To Your Child
Singing is a fun and effective way to engage your child and grab their
attention. You can learn and sing nursery rhymes to your child. You can sing
your favorites from “The Sound of Music” or you can go full “Hamilton” when no
one’s hearing except your child.

The melody and rhythm stimulate a child’s brain. Singing around your child will
enhance their ability to understand spoken language and stimulate their spoken
language.

You can begin singing to your child long before they begin babbling!

Always Praise Their Efforts
Never forget to praise your child's efforts in communication through spoken
language. Whether they have babbled for the first time or used a new word, be
sure to tell them what a good job they are doing.

Verbal positive reinforcement goes a long way to building a child's confidence.
They will carry this confidence and esteem into adulthood! So, even if you see
them fumble a little or mispronounce a new word, refrain from outright
criticisms.

8. How Can Stamurai Help A Child With Speech Delay?
Stamurai has trained and certified SLPs. The team will match your family with
therapists who can address the unique needs of your child.

The SLP will conduct a thorough evaluation and assessment of speech delay before
telling you about the type, intensity, and duration of speech therapy your child
needs.

Your child’s age will play an integral role in how the SLP interacts with them.

Online Speech Therapy for Kids - Ages 0 to 3-years
The parents of any child younger than 3-years need to interact with the SLP
directly during the video sessions. The SLP will work with the parents and take
direct feedback on the child's progress. The parents will learn the therapy
activities for speech delay and speech delay exercises from the SLP and practice
them with their child outside session hours.

Online Speech Therapy for Kids - Ages 3 to 6-years
Slightly older children can attend speech therapy online for speech delay with
the SLP directly. However, their parents should attend these sessions along with
them. Both will learn valuable speech skills and exercises from the SLP. Parents
should try to reinforce these exercises outside the sessions to continue at-home
practice.

Online Speech Therapy for Kids - Ages 7-years and above
Most children older than 7-years can attend sessions with SLPs on their own.
Their parents can receive feedback from the Stamurai team regarding their
progress. The parents can talk to the SLP directly if they have any concerns or
questions.

9. What Are Some Questions About Speech Delay And Speech Therapy You Should Be
Asking Your SLP?
 * What are the possible reasons my child isn’t talking yet?
 * My child only responds to gestures. Is there a chance they have hearing loss?
 * My child does not speak in front of strangers or in unfamiliar environments;
   do they have selective mutism
   [https://stamurai.com/blog/selective-mutism-guide-parents/]?
 * What kind of problems can my child face due to speech delay?
 * Does my child have speech delay only? Or do they have signs of language delay
   as well?
 * What can I do to boost my child’s speech skills at home?
 * Does a speech delay mean learning disorders in the future?
 * Will a speech delay affect my child’s quality of life?
 * Could my child have a developmental delay or congenital condition?

Online Speech Therapy for Speech Delay

A conversation may be a talk between two or more people that involves the
exchange of pleasantries, news, or ideas. Most people find it effortless to
start and hold conversations with others, even strangers. However, there are a
few among us who find it challenging to follow the common social “norms” of a
conversation, such as taking turns to speak, staying on topic, or avoiding
unpleasant topics.

Have you ever considered that these individuals are not “acting strangely” on
purpose? They may have social communication disorder. They may lack the
resources and pragmatic language skills necessary to hold a conversation.

Social communication disorder or SCD does not appear in a day! Those with this
disorder begin showing signs as a young child. A child with SCD may have trouble
using and understanding verbal and non-verbal language. It not only affects
their conversation skills, but also takes a toll on their personal life, social
bonds, and relationships.

The signs of social communication disorder become more apparent as a child grows
older and begins interacting with their peers. Want to know more about SCD? Here
in this post, we will shed light on this disorder; we will discuss the most
common symptoms of social communication disorder in toddlers & older children
and its diagnosis & treatment.

If you think your child is having a hard time initiating social conversations,
forming social bonds or holding a regular conversation, you should not wait! It
is not a phase that passes on its own. Your child may need the attention and
help of a trained speech therapist or speech-language pathologist (SLP).

 1.  What Is Social Communication Disorder?
 2.  Social Communication Disorder vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder
 3.  Is Social Communication Disorder Common?
 4.  What Are The Social Communication Milestones Children Should Achieve While
     Growing Up?
 5.  What Are the Symptoms of Social Communication Disorder (SCD)?
 6.  What are the leading causes of Social Communication Disorder?
 7.  How Is Social Communication Disorder (SCD) Diagnosed?
 8.  What Is the Treatment for Social Communication Disorder (SCD)?
 9.  How Can Parents Help A Child With Social Communication Disorder?
 10. How can Stamurai help with the evaluation and treatment of social
     communication disorder (SCD)?

1. What Is Social Communication Disorder?

To define social communication disorder
[https://stamurai.com/blog/social-communication-disorder/] (SCD), we need to
start with what SCD doesn't include. Those who have social communication
disorder –

 * Do not have speech problems. They don’t have problems pronouncing words or
   forming sentences.
 * Don’t have any difficulty understanding language.
 * Have a normal functioning vocabulary.
 * Are not less intelligent than other people.

Children and adults with SCD struggle with communication in social situations.
Some refer to it as pragmatic language impairment since it involves difficulty
using pragmatic language. Those with social (pragmatic) communication disorder
have difficulty interpreting meaning during interactions (verbal and
non-verbal).

That can make it challenging for the person to follow social norms of a
conversation, such as taking turns to speak. A person with SCD may not greet
another person when they meet and directly jump into a speech. They may appear
to be monologuing, or they may interrupt a speaker repeatedly. A person with
pragmatic language impairment may also fail to match the tone or style of their
speech with varying social contexts.

2. Social Communication Disorder vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder
It is easy to confuse the signs and symptoms of social communication disorder
with that of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both these disorders have shared
traits. However, there are some crucial differences.

SCD and ASD involve difficulty with social communication
[https://stamurai.com/blog/autism-common-speech-communication-problems-in-children/]
. Nonetheless, people with ASD have a plethora of other symptoms, such as
limited interests and/or compulsive behaviors that impact their social
interactions.

Individuals with ASD often become disturbed and irritated when their daily
routines are disrupted. They may be hyper-focused on a topic while showing
little to no interest in other topics. They may also be hypersensitive to
certain sounds and textures.

Social communication disorder is a part of ASD. As a result, autism spectrum
disorder and social communication disorder are rarely co-diagnosed. However,
those with SCD may or may not have other symptoms of ASD. Children or adults
diagnosed with SCD only have challenges concerning their social skills.

3. Is Social Communication Disorder Common?
Little is known about the prevalence of social communication disorder since its
official addition to the DSM-5 in 2013. Before 2013, it was known as pragmatic
language impairment and did not have properly defined diagnostic criteria.

A study [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19264445/] conducted in 2019 found that
almost 7-8% of 1335 kindergarteners observed showed signs of pragmatic language
impairment. The same study also showed that boys are more likely than girls to
be diagnosed with pragmatic language impairment.

4. What Are The Social Communication Milestones Children Should Achieve While
Growing Up?
Children learn the cues of social communication gradually and progressively.
However, there are a few social communication milestones children should exhibit
depending on their age. A child's exposure to language, interactions, and
culture profoundly impacts these milestones.

0 To 12-Months
A child between 0 and 12-months old should exhibit the following social
communication skills –

 * They should look at human faces. They can make eye contact and follow the
   direction of your gaze. They may even listen when you speak, especially if
   you are a parent or caregiver.
 * They should be able to tell the difference between the tones of voices. For
   example, happy, angry, or sad.
 * They attempt to take turns in vocalizations when interacting with adults.
 * They can demonstrate joint attention. The child should share your gaze and
   try to focus on the person or object you are looking at.
 * A child closer to their first birthday should be able to use simple gestures
   to communicate. For example - tugging at your fingers for food.
 * They should also be able to participate in simple games of peek-a-boo.

12 To 18-Months Old
A child older than 1-year should gradually acquire and exhibit more social
communication skills. For example –

 * They can make requests by gesturing or vocalizing.
 * They learn and say "hi" and "bye."
 * They begin to replace gestures with vocalizations and spoken language.
 * A child older than 12-months can make eye contact in response to spoken
   language.
 * They can demonstrate emotions such as empathy and sympathy.
 * As a child grows older, they can change the pitch, volume, and tone of their
   voice to express happiness, sadness, surprise, and fear.

18 To 24-Months
A child between the ages of 18-months and 2-years should already be acquiring
spoken language [https://stamurai.com/blog/children-speech-checklists/] rapidly.
You can refer to this speech checklist to see if your child is advancing at par
with their peers.

 * Your child should be using single words and short phrases to make requests,
   gain attention, and express their needs.
 * The child should also be able to use different pronouns such as I, me, you,
   and my.
 * A child closer to 24-months should be able to show signs that they can stay
   on topic while communicating.
 * They can also take turns while talking.

24 To 36-Months
When a child is close to 3-years (360-months), around 75% of their speech should
be understood by strangers. Therefore, you can expect them to acquire social
conversation skills rapidly.

 * A toddler should be able to engage in short conversations and stay on topic.
 * They can introduce and change the subject of discussion during a
   conversation.
 * They can ask for meanings and clarifications if they don’t understand a part
   of the conversation.
 * A toddler can take turns to communicate and interrupt minimally.
 * They can relate a conversation or dialog to their own experience and add to
   the conversation.

3 To 5 –Years
Preschoolers should have a rich and rapidly expanding vocabulary that they use
during conversations.

 * They should be able to start, hold and stop a conversation.
 * They learn to use filler words such as "okay" and "yeah" to acknowledge other
   speakers.
 * A preschooler should be able to use language to describe a dream, fantasy, or
   tell a joke.
 * They can tell a simple story or narrate an experience.

School-Age
School-aged children often exhibit competitive social conversation skills. By
6-years of age, your child should be able to correctly pronounce almost all
common words. Strangers should understand 100% of their speech. They should be
able to use newly learned words during conversations.

 * By the time a child is 6-years-old, they can read body language and
   expressions; they can also predict how the speaker is feeling.
 * They have the power to empathize and understand another person’s perspective.
 * A school-aged child demonstrates strong social conversation skills such as
   holding eye contact, staying on topic and taking turns during a discussion.
 * They should be able to ask questions and make observations during a
   conversation.
 * The school-aged child can use complex language to persuade the listener and
   express and support their opinion.

5. What Are the Symptoms of Social Communication Disorder (SCD)?
Social communication skills will vary according to the child's age and
environment. However, there are a few telltale signs that do not waver
irrespective of the language, interactions, culture, and environment of a child.

 * They may face persistent trouble with verbal and non-verbal communication
   without any signs of low cognitive ability or developmental delay.
 * Difficulty in the acquisition of spoken and written language to express
   themselves is a defining symptom of social communication disorder in
   toddlers.
 * They have difficulties understanding whatever is not explicitly stated during
   a conversation (references and inferences).
 * They may put forth inappropriate responses during a conversation.
 * Children with SCD have difficulty understanding idioms, metaphors, humor, and
   meanings that depend on context.

These deficits take a toll on effective communication and social participation.
These symptoms should be present from the early developmental period, but they
may not be observable until social communication becomes more demanding.

Most importantly, the symptoms should not be better explainable by other medical
conditions, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, or intellectual
disability.

6. What are the leading causes of Social Communication Disorder?
There is no established cause of social communication disorder. There is limited
research on the condition. However, studies show that children with a family
history of autism spectrum disorder
[https://stamurai.com/blog/speech-and-autism/] (ASD), learning disabilities, and
global developmental delay are at a higher risk of SCD.

Social communication disorders are often present with other disorders such as
ADHD, delayed speech, and intellectual development disorder.

7. How Is Social Communication Disorder (SCD) Diagnosed?
The initial symptoms of social communication disorder (SCD) are evident during
the early stages of development. Some children may begin showing the signs
during their infancy. For example, some toddlers with social communication
disorder may not use gestures, vocalizations, or eye contact.

For a formal diagnosis of social communication disorder, children should be
using spoken language. Therefore, children often receive their first SCD
diagnosis at around 4 to 5-years of age.

The evaluation and assessment of the child's speech and underlying symptoms
should be conducted by a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). They will
use multiple diagnostic tools and social communication disorder tests to
determine the validity of the diagnosis. During an assessment, you can expect
the SLP to –

 * Ask about your family history of speech and language disorders, ADHD, ASD,
   and developmental disorders.
 * Ask for a thorough medical history of your child and enquire about other
   disorders they may have.
 * Interact with your child directly and observe them in several situations.
 * Run a wide array of diagnostic tests to measure their language and
   communication skills.
 * Use multiple questionnaires that can measure the aspects of language
   proficiency in children.

During these appointments, the speech therapist will try to rule out other
possible diagnoses that may better explain your child’s symptoms.

8. What Is the Treatment for Social Communication Disorder (SCD)?
Speech-language therapy remains the main treatment for social communication
disorder in adults and children. However, since each individual is different,
the SLP crafts a custom therapy plan according to the needs of each client. The
SLP will weigh your child’s strengths and weaknesses in social communication
before including specific activities and exercises in speech-language therapy
for social communication disorder.

Therapy for SCD typically –

 * Recognizes the need for involving the individual and their family.
 * Considers the variations in the societal and cultural values and norms of the
   client.
 * Focuses on both short-term and long-term functional outcomes.
 * Tailors the goal according to the individual’s unique needs in their current
   environment.

The SLP will use a combination of therapy methods that can improve your child’s
functional communication skills. Some of the more common examples include –

Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods supplements and
compensates for the impairments in social communication skills if the symptoms
are particularly severe. The SLP teaches the individual to use assistive
technology such as tablets, iPads, smartphones, picture boards, gestures, and
sign languages to communicate.

Video Modeling
The SLP uses video recordings of target or model behavior to teach individuals
how to act or react during particular social situations. It is ideal for older
children, adolescents, and adults.

Role-Playing
The SLP can assume the role of a teacher, friend, ice-cream vendor, or cafeteria
worker to prompt different conversations. It can help the child with SCD learn
different ways to communicate with various people in life.

Peer-Mediated Interventions
The SLP will speak with the parents and/or friends of the individual with SCD;
the SLP will teach them techniques/strategies to facilitate social interactions
with children with social communication disorder.

Scripted Responses
The SLP can create scripts for the children to practice and re-enact during
social conversations.

The speech and language therapy for SCD primarily focuses on social pragmatics,
conversational skills, and non-verbal communications.

9. How Can Parents Help A Child With Social Communication Disorder?
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the development and reinforcement
of a child’s communication skills. Since a child spends most of their waking
hours around and with parents/caregivers, you are the best person to help
improve their social communication skills.

Your SLP should help you learn new strategies, activities, and exercises that
you can continue at home to boost your child's social communication. Here are
some suggestions from our SLPs which may help your child in the long run –

Greetings
Always say "hi," "good morning," "good night," and "bye" at appropriate times to
your child. Greet others in front of your child. Accompany these greetings with
gestures like waving while talking to your child.

Read to them
Set aside a fixed time to read to your child. While reading, ask open-ended
questions such as “Why do you think X is angry?” or “What do you think the
prince looks like?”

Take Turns While Talking
Use a prop like a ball or a cushion as a talking pass. Whoever has the cushion
or ball gets the chance to talk. If the other person wants to talk, they have to
wait for the cushion or ball.

Role-Play
During game-time, pretend to play the role of a postman, teacher, ice cream
truck driver, or friend. Hold conversations with your child while playing these
roles. Use different voices and makeup to make things fun for both of you!

Tell Stories
Narrate simple stories that your child knows, or talk about a sportsman or a
cartoon character both of you like. However, leave out small details and see if
your child can recognize the story or character. Encourage your child to tell a
story and ask questions about the characters and/or places they mention.

Use Non-Verbal Cues
Offer non-verbal cues like a gesture, expression or sign, and ask your child
what they mean. Make sure your child is already familiar with those.

10. How can Stamurai help with the evaluation and treatment of social
communication disorder (SCD)?
Stamurai [https://stamurai.com/] offers online speech therapy for social
communication disorder (SCD). The team will match your needs with a certified
speech and language therapist.

The SLP will evaluate and assess the symptoms of SCD in your child before
working out a plan to treat the symptoms. They will ask you and your child quite
a few questions and observe your child as they talk to you and the therapist.

The course of therapy will depend upon your child's age and their ability to
interact with the SLP via video chat.

Ages 0 To 3-Years
The SLP will work with the parents of very young children directly. You can
learn new techniques and activities that you can continue at home with your
child to improve their social communication skills. You will report to the SLP
directly.

Ages 3 To 6-Years
Parents should attend the video sessions alongside their children to learn
different strategies and exercises the SLPs use for enhancing the child's social
communication. Reinforce these exercises for social communication disorder in
children outside the session to promote at-home skill-building.

Ages 7 Years And Above
Older children can attend online speech therapy sessions for social
communication disorder on their own. However, parents can speak to the SLP, get
detailed progress reports, and offer feedback.

Adults
Adults typically attend the video sessions with their SLP alone. However, you
can always bring your family or loved ones to sit in during the sessions with
you.

Online Speech Therapy for Social Communication Disorder

When a child says their first word, it brings incomparable joy to their parents.
Then comes the mimicking of word sounds and attempts to say two-words at a time.
Most children acquire spoken language quickly, although they make some very
predictable, but cute mistakes.

A child trying to say a big word will often jumble up the consonants. They may
say /w/ in place of /r/. Hearing your child say “wabbit” for the first time is
indeed cute. Nonetheless, if your 5-year old keeps mispronouncing words and
jumbling up word sounds, it may be a sign of a speech sound disorder.

By the age of 5 years, almost 100% of your child’s speech should be
understandable, even to strangers. We can understand the anguish and stress you
must feel as you watch your little one struggle with their speech.

Not just young children, adults can also have speech sound disorders; they may
have never been diagnosed as children. If you are an adult who never received a
formal consultation with a speech-language pathologist for your speech problems,
it’s never too late to take the right step now.

Do you want to learn more about speech sound disorders (SSDs) today? Here’s
everything you need to know about SSDs, the causes of speech sound disorders,
the common signs and symptoms of speech sound disorders, and the possible
treatment options for all ages.

 1.  What Is A Speech Sound Disorder?
 2.  What Are The Different Types Of Speech Sound Disorders?
 3.  Articulation Disorders vs. Phonological Disorders
 4.  Are Speech Sound Disorders Common?
 5.  What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Speech Sound Disorder In Children?
 6.  Why Do Most Children Struggle With The /R/ Sound?
 7.  What Can Cause A Speech Sound Disorder?
 8.  Who Are At Risk Of Developing Speech Sound Disorders?
 9.  How Is A Speech Sound Disorder Diagnosed?
 10. What Is The Treatment For Speech Sound Disorders?
 11. How Can Stamurai Help With The Diagnosis and Treatment of Speech Sound
     Disorders?
 12. How Can Parents Help A Child With Speech Sound Disorder At Home? 
     

1. What Is A Speech Sound Disorder?
Speech sound disorder (SSD) is a broad term that covers the difficulties in the
perception, phonological representation, and production of speech sounds.

Producing coherent speech involves perceiving the target speech sound and the
ability to coordinate tongue, lip, and jaw movements. It also involves
coordinated breathing and vocalization.

Children pick up spoken language naturally and produce more complex speech
sounds as they grow older. Children who cannot produce specific sounds by a
certain age may have a speech sound disorder.

While it is difficult to understand a person with a speech sound disorder, the
inability to express oneself may also cause that person to have low self-esteem.
SSDs can affect a person's personal, social, academic, and professional aspects
of life.

2. What Are The Different Types Of Speech Sound Disorders?
According to ASHA, there are two different types of speech sound disorders
[https://stamurai.com/blog/stuttering-and-speech-sound-disorders/] – functional
and organic.

Functional speech sound disorders – the cause of these speech sound disorders is
not known


Articulation Disorders
To correctly produce speech sounds, we need to make coordinated movements of the
tongue, lip, teeth, soft palate, and jaws. We also need to time our breathing.
If you or your loved one has an articulation disorder, they may have trouble
coordinating these motor functions. That can result in the inability to produce
legible speech sounds.

The causes of articulation disorders are not always known. Since there are
multiple types of articulation disorders, each with their own set of signs and
symptoms, you should always consult a licensed SLP for diagnosis and treatment.

Phonological Disorders
Phonological patterns typically follow a pattern – the person with a
phonological disorder can produce individual sounds correctly. However, they
cannot put these sounds together to form coherent words. Typical patterns of
speech sound errors are common in children up to a certain age, but when these
errors persist beyond that age, it's a sign of speech sound disorder.

Refer to this speech checklist
[https://stamurai.com/blog/children-speech-checklists/] to ensure that your
child is producing the speech sounds correctly as per their age.

Distinguishing between articulation and phonological disorders can be
challenging, especially in the case of young children. Moreover, speech sound
disorders may have the characteristics of both articulation disorders and
phonological disorders. As a result, clinicians and researchers prefer to use
the umbrella term "speech sound disorder" to refer to errors due to unknown
cause(s).

Organic Speech Sound Disorders – these speech sound disorders have a known cause


Neurological/Motor Speech Sound Disorders
Motor or neurological speech disorders are caused by a lack of muscle
coordination or strength. Motor speech sound disorders can be developmental or
acquired. Individuals of any age can acquire a neurological speech disorder
after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain (neurological) damage.

Structural Speech Sound Disorders
Anomalies in the structure of the oral or facial features necessary for speech
production can result in structural speech sound disorders. It can be a result
of surgery or an accident.

Sensory/Perceptual Speech Sound Disorders
Recurring ear infections in children may lead to hearing loss. Hearing
impairment can result in speech sound disorders since the individual is unable
to hear the speech sounds. The severity of speech sound deficits will vary
depending upon the extent of hearing loss.

3. Articulation Disorders vs. Phonological Disorders
Articulation disorders occur at the phonetic level. The phonetic level is the
single sound level, and it's related to the act of producing vowels and
consonants individually.

Phonological disorders occur at the phonemic level. The phonemic level is the
sound patterns that come together to make a coherent speech. The brain plays a
key role in the organization of these sound patterns to create spoken language.
Therefore, you could say that phonological disorders occur at the brain level.

Clinicians often state that it is more difficult to understand someone with a
phonological disorder as compared to an individual with an articulation
disorder. Several children with phonological disorders have trouble with
language. It affects their academic performance as well.

You need to consult an SLP for the proper diagnosis of speech sound disorders.
Telling two SSDs apart is not easy and a thorough evaluation by a certified SLP
is always necessary before beginning any treatment or therapy.

4. Are Speech Sound Disorders Common?
Speech sound disorders are quite common among children. As many as 8 to 9% of
young children have articulation or phonological disorders. Around 5% of
school-aged children (first graders) have varying speech disorders, including
speech sound disorders, stuttering
[https://stamurai.com/blog/stuttering-treatment-faq/], and dysarthria.

The prevalence rates
[https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language] 
of speech sound disorders vary largely due to the inconsistencies in the
classification of the disorders and age groups studied.

Between 11% and 40% of all children with speech sound disorders also had
language problems. Poor language and speech sound production skills in
preschool-aged children are associated with low literacy outcomes. (Overby,
Trainin, Smit, Bernthal, & Nelson, 2012)

5. What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Speech Sound Disorders In Children?
It is common for children to make mistakes during the acquisition of spoken
language. However, if your child has a speech sound disorder, they may not be
able to meet the speech milestones on time! Check this speech milestone
checklist to ensure that your child's speech is developing as expected.

When a child has a speech sound disorder, you can expect them to repeatedly
substitute one sound for another, add sounds, or omit sounds.

If your child says /w/ instead of /r/ when they are between 2 and 3 years old or
says "monkey cheese" in place of "mac 'n' cheese" and "ear" instead of "hear,"
it is quite normal. Children often need time to learn the exact pronunciation
and speech sounds.

However, if your child keeps making the same mistakes even when they are between
5 and 6 years old, they may have a speech sound disorder.

It is challenging for a parent or caregiver to understand if a child truly has a
speech sound disorder or is simply going through a “phase.” Nonetheless,
according to Stanford Children’s Health, here are a few signs and symptoms that
you should watch out for to know if your child has a speech sound disorder.

Signs of an Articulation Disorder in Children
The child may have trouble saying sounds correctly even when they are old
enough. That is a sign of articulation disorder.

 * Mispronunciations due to differences in oral or facial structures, such as
   saying “wip” instead of “lip.”
 * Recurring distortion of speech sounds. For example, a child may keep saying
   “fith” instead of “fish.”
 * Changing or swapping sounds in a consistent pattern. For example, saying
   “Wabbit” instead of “Rabbit” and “woar” instead of “roar.”

Signs of Phonological Disorders in Children
A child with phonological process disorder makes word speech mistakes even when
they are old enough to talk intelligibly.

 * They may say only one syllable of a multisyllabic word such as “bay” instead
   of “baby.”
 * The child can simplify a word by using two syllables instead of saying the
   complete word. For example, saying "popo" instead of "lollipop."
 * They can omit consonant sounds from words, such as saying "ai" instead of
   "bye."
 * They can change or swap consonant sounds. For example, they can say "peapop"
   instead of "teapot."

6. Why Do Most Children Struggle With The /R/ Sound?
Even 4-year olds may sometimes struggle with the /r/ sound along with the /s/,
/sh/, /ch/, /th/, /z/ and /l/ sounds. The /r/ sound is not easy for kids to
produce. The /r/ sound changes depending on the position of the 'R' relative to
the other consonants and vowels in the word. For example, consider the varying
pronunciations of R in the following words – are, air, ear, error, or, and ire.

The /r/ sound is different in each of the six instances. The R sounds different
in the simple monosyllabic words like bar, for, and gear. The vowel preceding
and succeeding the R determines the nature of the /r/ sound. According to
linguists, there can be as many as 30 different R sounds.

A child who is still acquiring spoken language and trying to grasp the syntaxes
of speech can find the varying /r/ sounds confusing. Therefore, if your
preschooler is having trouble with the /r/ sound, but strangers manage to
understand their speech more than 75% of the time, it's alright. With some
practice at home, they can master pronouncing the more difficult set of speech
sounds we have mentioned above.

If your child is of school-age already, but still can’t pronounce their /r/
sounds clearly, it may be time for an intervention. The longer they mispronounce
a speech sound, the more difficult it can become to correct them.

7. What Can Cause A Speech Sound Disorder?
Sometimes, a speech sound disorder has no known cause. For example, phonological
and articulation disorders rarely have any discernible cause.

In the case of an organic speech sound disorder, multiple factors can be at
play. Some of these factors are –

 * Traumatic brain injury or brain damage
 * Intellectual disability or global developmental delay
 * Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome
 * A history of ear infections leading to partial or complete hearing loss
 * Differences in Oro-facial structures, such as a cleft palate
 * Disorder(s) that affect the nerves involved in speech production

Motor speech disorders in children include apraxia and dysarthria. These are
conditions that affect the muscles involved in the production of speech.

Apraxia
Although apraxia can be of two types, the most common one observed in children
is childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). It is a neurological condition that
impacts the flow of messages from the brain to the muscles involved in speech
production. Due to CAS, the signals between the brain and the muscles involved
in speech production are interrupted. Therefore, the individual cannot move the
muscles in a coordinated way necessary for producing speech.

You can learn more about apraxia right here
[https://stamurai.com/blog/childhood-apraxia-of-speech-causes-symptoms-treatment/]
.

Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by weakness in the muscles involved in
speaking. Muscle weakness can be due to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other
forms of brain damage. Dysarthria can happen immediately after birth (Cerebral
Palsy) or after a stroke. Several individuals with Parkinson's, ALS,
Huntington's, or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) also present with symptoms of
dysarthria. Someone with dysarthria may have a hoarse or choppy voice or slow
and slurred speech.

You can read more about dysarthria here
[https://stamurai.com/blog/dysarthria-guide/].

8. Who Are At Risk Of Developing Speech Sound Disorders?
In most cases, the causes of speech sound disorders are unknown. However,
studies show that certain risk factors increase the likelihood of speech sound
disorders in a child. As per data from Stanford Children’s Health, these factors
include –

 * The presence of congenital conditions such as Cerebral Palsy
 * Developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder
   [https://stamurai.com/blog/autism-common-speech-communication-problems-in-children/]
 * Frequent ear infections and subsequent loss of hearing
 * Genetic conditions such as Down syndrome
   [https://stamurai.com/blog/autism-vs-down-syndrome/]
 * Oro-facial anomalies such as cleft lips and cleft palates

Other controversial but observed factors that increase the risk of speech sound
disorders in children include a low level of education of the parent(s) and a
lack of a supportive learning environment at home.

Additionally, the following may add to the risk of developing speech sound
disorders –

Gender

The chance of a male child developing SSD is significantly higher than a female
child.

Pre- and Perinatal Issues

Infections during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, and
complications during birth can contribute to a higher possibility of speech
sound disorders in the child.

Family History

Children with a family history of speech sound disorders and language disorders
suffer a higher risk of SSDs.

9. How Is A Speech Sound Disorder Diagnosed?
If your child has been showing signs of a speech sound disorder, you should talk
to a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The diagnosis of speech sound disorders
requires close observation, noting the family history, and testing the child for
other conditions that may better explain their symptoms.

The professional will recommend testing your child for hearing-related problems
and other physiological issues. They will see how your child moves their lips,
jaws, tongue, and other muscles to rule out any weakness-related issues. The SLP
may also suggest tests for assessing your child's language skills.

Always remember, some families talk with an accent
[https://stamurai.com/blog/accent-modification-and-stuttering/]. Children
automatically adopt accents, but speaking with an unfamiliar or foreign accent
is NOT a speech sound disorder. Therefore, the SLP will also determine if your
child is simply talking with an accent. They will also consider if your child's
speech issues are a normal part of their speech and language acquisition
journey.

10. What Is The Treatment For Speech Sound Disorders in Children?
Speech sound disorders are of different types, and they can affect children with
varying severity. A licensed speech-language pathologist can recommend the
proper course of therapy after a thorough assessment and evaluation.

The SLP will work with you and your child to tailor a treatment plan to overcome
their speech sound-related challenges. There is no one-treatment-fits-all
approach for speech sound disorders.

Here’s what you can expect during the treatment of speech-sound disorders in
children –

 * Practicing preventative activities and exercises so that the problem doesn’t
   worsen.
 * The precise identification and correction of the sounds your child says
   incorrectly.
 * Continued practice and repetition of the target sound in different words to
   familiarize the child with the correct speech sound.
 * Learning at-home strategies and activities to continue your child’s
   improvement outside the sessions.

In addition to these, you will also receive updated and factual material from
the SLP on speech sound disorders and their treatment. Educating yourself about
the disorder will help you understand your child’s emotions and trysts.

11. How Can Stamurai Help With The Diagnosis and Treatment of Speech Sound
Disorders?
Stamurai has a team of certified and trained SLPs who have been working with
children with varying speech sound disorders. You or your child can receive
online speech therapy for speech-sound disorders via one-on-one video sessions.

The nature of the therapy and the interactions during the video sessions will
depend on the age and developmental levels of the client.

Speech Sound Disorder Therapy for Children between the Ages of 0 and 3-Years
Parents of very young children will work with the SLP during the video sessions
to learn at-home exercises for speech sound disorder treatment. You will
practice these speech therapy exercises and activities with your child and give
your feedback directly to the SLP.

Speech Sound Disorder Therapy for Children between the Ages of 4 and 6-Years
You can attend the video sessions with your child. You will learn the cues and
speech therapy exercises the SLP practices with your child during the session.
You can promote at-home skill-building after each session.

Speech Sound Disorder Therapy for Children Older Than 7-Years
Older children can attend the therapy via video-conferencing for kids all by
themselves. However, you can sit in with them or choose to receive feedback from
the SLP after each session.

Speech Sound Disorder Therapy for Adults
Adults can always attend the therapy sessions alone. You can also invite your
loved one(s) to sit with you during a session.

12. How Can Parents Help A Child With Speech Sound Disorder At Home?
A child's speech and language therapy is incomplete without complete parental
involvement. Since your child spends most of their time at home with you, you
can continue your child's speech and language therapy at home.

Your SLP will show you how to help a child with speech articulation problems.
You can learn new activities and fun games for at-home practice.

Here are a few tips for all parents from our SLP –

 * Listen to your child's speech carefully and note every word or sound they
   repeatedly mispronounce.
 * Learn new and fun speech therapy activities for speech sound disorders so
   your child does not lose interest in at-home therapy.
 * Make flashcards and cue cards for your child to practice specific words and
   word sounds.
 * Provide natural modeling for your child if they mispronounce words.
 * Do not reprimand your child or interrupt them everytime they mispronounce a
   word or word sound.
 * Stay in touch with your SLP and offer them feedback on how your child is
   doing at home!

Online Speech Therapy for Speech Sound Disorders

Online Speech Therapy for Stuttering

Our voice is a big part of our identity. How we sound affects our confidence,
performance at school or work, and influences our listeners. Voice plays an
integral role in communication.

For speaking, air from our lungs needs to pass through our voice box. The
airflow vibrates the vocal cords or vocal folds to create speech sound. When a
person has problems in the movement of the vocal folds, or breathing, they may
experience a voice disorder.

If your voice sounds more hoarse, wet, raspy or high-pitched than usual, you may
be experiencing a voice disorder. The inability to use our voice optimally can
affect our self-image, confidence, livelihood, relationships, and the overall
quality of life.

You should not ignore the signs of a voice disorder. Here is everything you need
to know about the types of voice disorders, voice disorder causes, signs and
symptoms, and available treatment options.

 1.  What Is A Voice Disorder?
 2.  What Are The Different Types Of Voice Disorders?
 3.  Are Voice Disorders Common?
 4.  What Are The Symptoms Of Voice Disorders?
 5.  What Are The Causes Of A Voice Disorder?
 6.  How Is A Voice Disorder Diagnosed?
 7.  What Is The Treatment Of Voice Disorders?
 8.  How Can You Prevent Voice Problems?
 9.  How Can A Speech-Language Pathologist Help Treat Voice Disorders?
 10. How Can Stamurai Help With The Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Treatment Of Voice
     Disorders?

1. What Is A Voice Disorder?
The vocal folds come together, and as air passes through these folds, they
vibrate to produce sound. Sometimes, the vocal folds do not vibrate properly. It
can happen due to the inflammation of the vocal folds, development of nodules
and polyps, infection of and around the vocal cords, and paralysis.

A voice disorder can affect a person's voice quality, loudness, and pitch.
Sometimes, voice disorders create changes in the voice quality that are
inappropriate for their age, gender, geographic location, or cultural
background.

In many cases, when an individual expresses concern about the quality or pitch
of their voice, even when listeners do not perceive it as different, experts
consider it a voice disorder.

2. What Are The Different Types Of Voice Disorders?

Organic Voice Disorders
Voice disorders arising from physiological changes of laryngeal, respiratory,
and vocal mechanisms are organic. Organic voice disorders are further classified
as –

Structural

These are organic voice disorders that result from the physical changes in the
voice-producing mechanisms, including –

 * Changes in the vocal fold tissues, such as swelling or nodules.
 * Changes to the structure of the larynx.

Neurogenic

The organic voice disorders resulting from central or peripheral nervous system
issues are neurogenic. Neurological disorders involving the larynx or vocal
folds can affect the entire vocal mechanism. These may include –

 * Vocal tremors
 * Vocal fold paralysis
 * Spasmodic dysphonia

Functional Voice Disorders
When there is no issue with the physiology of the vocal folds, yet the vocal
mechanism functions inefficiently, experts refer to it as a functional voice
disorder. Such a voice disorder may occur due to –

 * Vocal fatigue
 * Diplophonia
 * Muscle tension dysphonia or aphonia
 * Ventricular phonation

Psychogenic Voice Disorders
The voice quality of an individual may change due to psychological stress.
Prolonged psychological stress may lead to maladaptive dysphonia or aphonia.
Psychogenic voice disorders or psychogenic conversion aphonia and dysphonia are
rare. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists may refer you to
psychologists or cognitive-behavioral therapists if they suspect psychogenic
voice disorders.

3. Are Voice Disorders Common?
According to ASHA, between 1.4% and 6% of all children have voice disorders.
Multiple cases of voice disorders in the pediatric population have been linked
to prolonged stay and intubation in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Around 41% to 73% of children with vocal dysphonia were diagnosed with vocal
nodules.

1 in 13 adults in the US experience problems with their voice. However, only 10%
of the affected population actively seek voice therapy for adults.

In 2017, Bainbridge et. al. showed that around 6% of the young adults between
the ages of 24 and 34-years showed signs of voice disorders. There was no
notable difference based on age, ethnicity/race, or education levels. Teachers
were more likely to develop a voice disorder in comparison with other
professionals.

Among adults, the most frequent diagnosis includes acid laryngitis, dysphonia,
and vocal polyps. All seniors (over the age of 60) evaluated for voice disorders
showed signs of changes of voice associated with ageing, functional dysphonia,
vocal fold paralysis, reflux and inflammation, and Reinke's edema. However, a
laryngeal cancer diagnosis was common among individuals between the ages of 75
and 79-years.

4. What Are The Symptoms Of Voice Disorders?
If you have a voice disorder or dysphonia, you may experience changes in your
vocal quality, loudness, pitch, and vocal effort.

Some of the more prominent signs and symptoms of a voice disorder may include –

 * Voice that sounds rough and raspy
 * Audible ‘breathing’ or ‘air escape’ while talking
 * A strained voice that sounds too tense or harsh
 * Vocal quality that sounds strangled, as if you are holding your breath
 * Abnormal loudness, softness, or an unsteady volume.
 * Abnormal pitch that’s too high, low, or inconsistent
 * A voice that is hypernasal, hyponasal, or has an abnormal resonance
 * Complete loss of voice (aphonia)
 * Breaks in phonation
 * Extreme weakness of voice (asthenia)
 * A voice that sounds gurgly or wet
 * Audible creaks or pulses while speaking
 * A shrill voice that sounds like a piercing or stifling a scream
 * A shaky voice with inconsistent loudness and rhythmic pitch

A voice disorder may also present other signs and symptoms, such as –

 * Increased vocal effort during speaking
 * The quick onset of fatigue or decreased endurance with prolonged talking
 * Frequent coughing and throat clearing
 * Feeling breathless quicker than usual
 * Excessive tenderness, pain, or tension in the throat or larynx

The signs and symptoms of voice disorders may occur one-by-one or in
combination. The quality of a person's voice will depend upon the cause(s) and
their severity. Sometimes, assessing the auditory quality of one's voice is not
enough to determine the cause or its severity. Your speech language pathologist
specializing in voice therapy may recommend further instrumental assessment for
determining the cause and/or severity of your voice disorder.

5. What Are The Causes Of A Voice Disorder?
The normal voice mechanism depends on several factors working together, such as
–

 * The respiratory system
 * The laryngeal muscle activity
 * The systems responsible for balance, respiratory stamina, resonation
   subsystem, and phonation
 * The coordination between these systems and the pharynx, nasal cavity, and
   oral cavity

Any physiological, neurological, or psychological issues that disrupt any
above-mentioned systems can cause a voice disorder.

The organic causes include –

Structural Causes
 * Vocal nodules, cysts, and/or polyps
 * Narrowing of the voice box where the vocal cords press together and scar
 * Inflammation of the voice box or larynx due to laryngitis
 * Recurrent respiratory papilloma
 * Atrophy of the vocal muscles due to aging
 * Frequent acid reflux that travels up through the food pipe and reaches the
   throat (larynx and pharynx)
 * Injury or trauma to the larynx such as intubation, external injuries, or
   chemical exposure

Neurologic Causes
 * Repeated paralysis or weakness of nerves in the larynx
 * Parkinson’s disease
 * Multiple sclerosis (MS)
 * Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
 * Adductor/abductor spasmodic dysphonia

Functional Causes
 * Trauma due to yelling, excessive coughing, and strain; speaking in an
   extremely high or low tone
 * Compression and squeezing of the ventricular folds (ventricular phonation)
 * Excessive effort or overuse of the vocal mechanism leading to vocal fatigue

Psychogenic Causes
 * Chronic stress disorder (CSD)
 * Depression
 * Anxiety
 * Conversion reaction (conversion aphonia/dysphonia)

Someone going through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might experience changes
in their vocal quality. If you are using testosterone, you may notice a
masculizing effect on your voice. It is a result of HRT. However, if it concerns
you, you can talk to your gender-affirming voice trainer.

Sudden changes in other hormone levels such as thyroid, growth hormones, and
estrogen may also affect your voice quality, pitch, and resonance. Speak to a
speech language pathologist specializing in voice therapy if the changes in your
vocal quality concern you.

Other physiological conditions may also cause symptoms similar to a voice
disorder. For example, an upper respiratory tract infection may cause a person
to cough repeatedly, suffer from a sore throat, and talk in a hoarse voice.
Therefore, visiting a physician is necessary when you first experience the signs
of voice disorder.

Prolonged smoking can contribute to voice disorders and make voice disorders
worse.

6. How Is A Voice Disorder Diagnosed?
A voice disorder may have multiple causes. Sometimes, transient infections also
mimic the symptoms of voice disorders. Therefore, diagnosing a voice disorder is
not quick or easy. Your doctor (GP) will need your medical history and run a
bunch of tests. In severe cases, your GP may refer you to an otolaryngologist or
ear-nose-throat specialist (ENT).

The specialist will examine your throat, vocal folds, and larynx to explore the
possible causes of a voice disorder. You will have to answer a few questions
such as when you first notice the signs, what kind of trouble you experience
with your voice, when your voice sounds hoarse, shrill, or raspy during the day,
and how often these problems occur and if they have any triggers.

Some of the common tests your doctor may recommend are –

 * Laryngoscopy
 * Laryngeal Electromyography, or EMG
 * Stroboscopy
 * Imaging tests
 * Acoustic Analysis

7. What Are the Available Treatment Options for Voice Disorders?
The treatment for voice disorders will depend upon the cause and severity. It
may also depend upon the age of the individual.

Since voice disorders typically concern multiple mechanisms, the treatment
decisions involve a team of specialists from multiple disciplines, such as your
doctor (GP), ENT, neurologist, pulmonologist, psychologist, and SLP specializing
in voice therapy. They will work together to tailor a plan that addresses the
root cause(s) of your voice problems.

The treatment typically consists of a combination of therapies, such as –

Medication
Medicines can help treat the root cause of your voice disorder. However, do not
self-administer drugs for your voice disorder. Always follow your doctor's
prescription.

Surgery
Under rare circumstances, your team of experts may recommend surgery to remove
polyps, nodules, and cysts that are worsening your vocal quality.

Injections
Sometimes muscle spasms make it difficult for a person to talk. Specific
injections to relax muscles can help you control your vocal folds and reclaim
your voice.

Changes In Lifestyle
If you are a heavy smoker, loud talker, or simply more talkative than the
average Joe, your team of doctors may ask you to make some changes. You need to
smoke less, talk softly, or talk less to give your vocal folds enough time to
recuperate. Some minor changes in vocal hygiene can work miracles for your vocal
quality.

Voice Therapy
There is a good chance that your doctor will recommend voice therapy from a
licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in voice therapy. You can
choose between seeing your therapist in-person, or attending online video
sessions for voice therapy. Voice therapy can be your primary treatment choice,
or it can complement other treatment options, including medicines & surgery.

8. How Can You Prevent Voice Problems?
Maintaining proper vocal hygiene is one of the prime necessities for achieving
and preserving a healthy voice. Vocal hygiene includes simple and daily
practices that uphold the health of your vocal cords.

Here are some ways you can enjoy a balanced, steady, and youthful voice without
any vocal problems –

 * Consume between 8 and 6 glasses (50 to 64-ounces) of fluid per day.
 * Avoid foods and drinks that can dehydrate you. These include deep-fried food,
   empty calories, high-sugar-containing foods, sodas, coffee (caffeinated
   drinks), and alcohol.
 * If you live in a dry climate, invest in a humidifier.
 * If you are prone to pollen, dust, or fur allergies, take your allergy
   medicine regularly and minimize your exposure to allergens.
 * Avoid smoking.
 * In case of common cold or flu, talk to a doctor before taking any meds.
   Common flu medicines tend to dry out vocal folds.
 * Get 8-hours of quality sleep; limit your screen time before bed.
 * Avoid speaking too loudly or singing continuously when your voice feels
   tired.
 * Take a break from talking whenever possible.
 * Learn and practice deep breathing exercises.
 * Avoid testing the extremes of your vocal range (screaming or whispering too
   much).

If none of these work and your voice problems persist, please consider talking
to a doctor and an SLP. Vocal disorders are treatable and early interventions
limit the damage to the vocal folds.

9. How Can An SLP Help Treat Voice Disorders?
Several voice disorders need the attention of medical professionals. An SLP is a
trained and licensed health professional who can diagnose and treat various
voice disorders. SLPs are involved in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
of voice disorders in children and adults.

Here are a few ways in which your SLP can assist your voice disorder treatment –

Spasmodic Dysphonia
Your SLP can teach you strategies that make it easier to articulate sounds and
speak clearly. Speech therapy for voice disorders takes time, patience, and
persistence. You will learn breathing techniques to improve airflow and reduce
tension.

You will learn new voice therapy techniques to reduce the effects of spasmodic
dysphonia. Your SLP can help you take charge of your voice.

Vocal Nodules And Polyps
The SLP will teach you all you need to know about vocal hygiene. They will help
you recognize and check vocal abuse. You will learn new ways to take care of
your voice, strain less, and speak with less effort.

You will also learn speech therapy exercises for vocal disorders that help you
relax, relieve stress, and control how you sound.

Vocal Fold Paralysis
The specialist will recommend a custom speech therapy plan for the voice
disorder after diagnosis. The SLP will help you before your surgery and
medication and after the procedure to ease your vocal discomfort.

You can work with your speech therapist or SLP to modulate your pitch,
resonance, and breathing. It may help you improve the loudness or softness of
your voice in the long run.

Chronic Coughing
Coughing repeatedly and loudly can damage your vocal folds. The SLP will teach
you various types of voice therapy techniques of breathing regulation that can
suppress or modify recurrent coughs.

Your SLP may teach you how to breathe deeply through your nose, recognize the
triggers of chronic cough, and avoid foods & drinks that induce coughing.

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)
Your speech therapist can teach you to keep your vocal folds open effortlessly
as you breathe out and speak. It may take time, but through regular speech
therapy exercises, you will be able to control the opening of your vocal folds.

You will learn simple yet effective methods to relax your throat muscles and
suppress recurring coughing. A licensed SLP can also tell you all about the
triggers of PVFM and teach you ways to avoid them.

10. How Can Stamurai Help With The Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment Of Voice
Disorders?
Stamurai offers various type of voice therapy via one-on-one video sessions for
different types of voice disorders. Our SLP will work with you to address
various symptoms of the voice disorder and other voice-related problems that you
may be facing right now.

The interactions with the speech therapist will depend upon you or your child’s
age and ability to use technology.

Voice Disorder Treatment: Ages 0 – 3 Years
Parents will work directly with the speech therapist to address any voice
problem the child may be facing. Parents will learn new skills, voice therapy
techniques, and management strategies that help their child speak with less
strain and effort.

Voice Disorder Treatment: Ages 4 – 6 Years
Parents should attend the online voice therapy session with their child to learn
new skills, exercises, and management techniques to reduce hoarseness,
breathiness, and any other problem caused by a voice disorder. Parents can talk
to the SLP directly to provide/gather feedback after each online speech therapy
session for voice disorder treatment.

Voice Disorder Treatment: Ages 7-Years And Above
Children can attend video sessions alone, but parents may sit-in with them. SLPs
keep the parents in the loop about the child's progress and struggles during
each session.

Voice Disorder Treatment: Adults
Adults can attend the sessions with their SLP alone. However, you are welcome to
bring your family members as well!