Are the management options same for all speech language disorders?
Speech language interventions for different speech language disorders are not the same. Although we follow some general techniques to improve the receptive and expressive language of children, it cannot be used with all the other speech language disorders. Eg. For misarticulation, we use articulation therapy approaches/techniques. Voice therapy techniques are used for voice disorders.
Can you talk about voice disorders in children?
Voice problems can be seen in children and it is mostly characterised by hoarse or breathy voices. In children, voice disorders are mostly seen as a result from straining the voice. Some of the examples of vocal straining are frequent yelling, shouting, speaking in background noise, singing incorrectly and frequent throat clearing. This can lead to vocal nodules which are small growths on the vocal cords.
What is apraxia of speech?
In apraxia, what is affected is the person’s ability to plan or programme the movements needed for speech production. It is a cortical problem, meaning that it is as a result of central nervous system lesion. In apraxia, the Broca’s area of the brain is damaged.
The speech errors that we see in apraxia are inconsistent and unpredictable. If we compare the error patterns that occur in spontaneous speech versus repetition, we will find only fewer errors in spontaneous speech.
Repetition tasks will be difficult for them. In apraxia, it has been found that when producing overlearned material or material that has become automatic, the person will speak clearly.
When talking about childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) as mentioned before, the brain struggles to develop plans needed for speech. The brain has difficulty directing or coordinating the movements in ways that result in accurate sounds and words spoken with normal speed and rhythm. The speech muscles aren’t weak with this disorder.
The following are usually noticed in CAS between 18 months and 2 years. However, only with these symptoms, it is difficult to give the diagnosis of CAS.
- Onset of first words is delayed
- Spoken words are very much limited
- Produces only a few consonants or vowel sounds
The other speech characteristics seen in CAS are:
- Smooth movement from sound, syllable or word to another is difficult
- When an attempt to make the correct movement for speech sounds, groping movements are seen with jaw, lips or tongue
- Vowel distortions
- Improper stress patterns when saying words
- Errors are inconsistent. They make different errors when trying to say the same word again
- Imitating simple words are difficult
- Inconsistent voicing errors are also observed, eg., ‘den’ instead of ‘ten’.
Answers provided by Merlin Thankam Thomas, Senior speech and language therapist QISH, Doha
( If you have any queries, you can send it to [email protected])
