What is Cerebral Palsy Speech Therapy?

Cerebral palsy speech therapy is a form of therapy provided to patients with cerebral palsy to help them communicate more clearly and effectively. It can include learning augmentative communication techniques, such as sign language and use of a communication board, in addition to working on spoken communication. This therapy is usually provided by a speech language pathologist or speech therapist, and can be combined with other modes of cerebral palsy therapy, including physical therapy to strengthen muscles.

People with cerebral palsy have lack of muscle coordination and control. The extensiveness of the disability can vary. Some patients may have relatively mild impairments such as a limp, while others may have quadriparesis and use a wheelchair for mobility. The muscle weakness and lack of muscle control associated with cerebral palsy can cause speech impediments and difficulty eating. Around one third of individuals with cerebral palsy experience some speech impairments that can be addressed with cerebral palsy speech therapy.

In cerebral palsy speech therapy, the therapist evaluates the patient to determine the extent of the impairments and to develop a treatment plan. For oral communications, there are exercises that can improve the ability to communicate clearly. These exercises will also help patients eat. The speech therapist can help the patient learn to articulate and enunciate words and strengthen the facial muscles to support speech.

Oral communication is not the only option. Part of cerebral palsy speech therapy can include teaching patients to use augmentative communication. Deaf and hearing impaired patients may prefer to use sign language for communication. Others may find spoken speech difficult or want a communication method that they can use during periods of high pain, fatigue, and stress when it may be difficult to talk.

Communication boards and books can include everything from books with pictures and individual words that people can point to in order to talk to computers that synthesize speech for the patient. An important aspect of cerebral palsy speech therapy involves sessions with friends, family, and aides so that the patient can work on communicating with the people who interact with her or him most often.

Speech therapy provides a way for cerebral palsy patients who have difficulty with communication to find their voices. A common problem cited by many people with disabilities who have speech impairments is that people speak for them instead of with them, or fail to attempt to establish communication. Speech therapy addresses this concern and can significantly improve quality of life for patients as a result.