Speech and Language Therapy, PLLC

​APHASIA

Aphasia is a language disorder that occurs after brain damage, which may make it hard for you to understand, speak, read, or write. Aphasia is often the result of stroke, however can be related to other diagnoses, such as brain tumors, head trauma, or infection. Therapy for aphasia includes learning to say words, string words into sentences, engage in conversation, follow directions, and answer questions. Augmentative communication can also be incorporated if needed. 

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APRAXIA

Apraxia of speech refers to difficulty making movements of the mouth and tongue to speak in the absence of muscle weakness.  People with apraxia may know what they want to say, but the message from their brain to their mouth becomes disrupted. They often exhibit inconsistent errors, automatic speech, and groping behaviors. Apraxia of speech sometimes co-exists with aphasia. Therapy for apraxia of speech includes retraining muscles to make sounds with repetition and specific sound production. Augmentative communication can be incorporated if needed. PROMPT is a therapy technique that is designed to manually retrain patients to make sounds and guide them into word, phrase, and sentence production. 

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DYSARTHRIA

Dysarthria is a speech disorder that arises due to weakness in the muscles of the face and throat. People with dysarthria usually are described as speaking slurred or slow. They may speak in full sentences, however, their speech is not always understood. Dysarthria can develop as a result of stroke, brain tumor, ALS, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological diseases. Speech therapy for dysarthria includes improving muscle strength, breath support, and learning to speak slow and loud. Augmentative communication can be incorporated if needed.  LSVT is a treatment that focuses on increasing loudness for patients with Parkinson's and other neurological diseases.

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​COGNITIVE-LINGUISTIC CHANGES

Cognitive-linguistic changes refer to difficulties with executive functioning, including memory, attention, problem-solving, planning, and organizing. People with changes in executive functioning may find it difficult remembering their personal information, remembering events of the day, recognizing their limitations, paying attention without losing focus, or completing routine activities.  Speech therapy in this area includes structured drills to remember information or task procedures.  It also includes compensating for difficulties with helpful lists, calendars, etc. 

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