Further reading/guidance:
If you have any questions about
what you have read in this
leaflet, please contact your
Speech and Language
Therapist:
……………………………………
Any questions?
Use this space to note any
questions you may have for your
Speech and Language Therapist
Speech and Language Therapy
Department
Royal Berkshire Hospital
West Drive Buildings, 1st Floor
London Road
Reading RG1 5AN
Speech and Language
Therapy Department
Tel: 0118 322 5205
Other Speech and Language
Therapy Departments in your area:
Dysarthria
Community Speech and Language
Therapy, University of Reading
Tel: 0118 378 4691
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS):

0118 982 2829

0118 982 2905
Email: pals.berkswest@berkshire.nhs.uk
Write to: Berkshire West PALS,
57-59 Bath Road, Reading RG30 2BA
Leaflet updated August 2008
H:\Acute & Comm Leaflets 2.2.1
West Berkshire Community
Hospital, Thatcham
Tel: 01635 273422
Wokingham Hospital
Tel: 0118 949 5150
Information and advice for
people experiencing speech
difficulties
What is dysarthria?
Dysarthria is a speech disorder
caused by weakness or paralysis
of the oral muscles: the jaw, lips,
tongue, and palate (the "roof of
your mouth").
Dysarthria happens because some
of the nerves involved in speaking
and/or breathing are damaged.
Will my dysarthria improve?
In most cases some degree of
improvement can be made. This
depends on the cause and
severity of the dysarthria.
How can a Speech and
Language Therapist help me?
Dysarthria may be:
- present from birth, e.g. cerebral
palsy;
- acquired suddenly, e.g. stroke,
head injury;
- a feature of degenerative
disease, e.g. Parkinson’s
Disease, MS.
What does dysarthria sound like?
This varies depending on the
cause. Common features include:
 slurred speech: reduced clarity;
 speech may be too fast or slow;
 change in voice quality: low in
pitch, hoarse, quiet, breathy,
nasal or strained;
 reduced naturalness: lack of
rhythm or intonation;
 unco-ordinated speech/
breathing.
 Assessment and personalised
treatment and therapy.
 Oral-motor exercises for breath
control, clarity of speech and
strength and co-ordination of
muscles.
 Reassurance and confidencebuilding.
 Practical advice for improved
communication in everyday,
work and social situations.
 Techniques to support speech
e.g. gesture, writing, drawing.
 Specialist assessment for
electronic communication aids
in severe cases.
 Advice/support for friends and
family.
Tips for successful
communication with a person
who has dysarthria
 Minimise background noise and
distractions: e.g. turn off the TV.
 Look at the person’s lips/face
for additional clues.
 Encourage the person to take deep
breaths, slow their speech right
down and exaggerate sounds.
 Encourage short sentences and
frequent pauses for breath.
 Encourage emphasis of the
most important words.
 Keep a notepad and pen handy
for writing difficult words or
encourage pointing, drawing etc.
 Be patient. Allow the person
plenty of time to speak/respond.
 Check that you have
understood by feeding back
what you think has been said.
 Ask whether the person minds if
you help by guessing or
finishing off words for them.
They may prefer to keep trying
themselves.
 Be honest and let the person know
when you have not understood
them so that they can monitor the
clarity of their speech.