{"id":8798,"date":"2019-08-02T09:42:31","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T09:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=8798"},"modified":"2021-06-18T16:20:45","modified_gmt":"2021-06-18T16:20:45","slug":"14-communication-tips-to-manage-dysarthria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-communication-tips-to-manage-dysarthria\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Communication Tips to Manage Dysarthria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dysarthria is a condition that is characterized by slurred and irregular speech. Many types of speech issues have their source in cognitive dysfunction, but dysarthria is caused by damage to motor abilities due to various conditions, such as strokes, severe migraines, hypothermia and injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dysarthria can be temporary, as in the case of migraines and hypothermia or may become more permanent, and coping skills are required to deal with the problem if it is long-term. Not only does the patient need to learn new techniques to improve their ability to communicate, but caretakers and loved ones also have to adapt to new ways of speaking and communicating with a dysarthria sufferer. The following techniques are important to keep in mind when helping someone with dysarthria cope with their issue. Not all of these tips will work for everyone, but trial and error is a good approach.
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1. Have Patience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The attribute that is the most essential for helping people with dysarthria or if you have dysarthria <\/a>yourself is patience. A sudden loss of abilities can cause a feeling of powerlessness which can increase the frustration that accompanies trying to accomplish basic tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Progress of often gradual, especially with those who have impaired motor function, and keeping expectations moderate and always having patience is important to maintain the confidence needed in treatment. When one feels frustrated, communication is more difficult to try not to have a conversation with someone with dysarthria if you are they are in a rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is frustration, take a deep breath or a break from speaking and then start again. If the person with dysarthria wants to discuss their feelings of impatience or powerlessness, listen to them without rushing or finishing their sentences, unless they ask you to. 
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2. Don\u2019t Finish Sentences Without Permission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ability to finish sentences of a loved one may be taken as a sign of closeness, but if one of the people has dysarthria, it may not be so pleasant to the one who is trying to speak. Patience is important when communicating with people with dysarthria. By the same token, those with dysarthria should be patient with themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If extra effort is needed to finish a sentence, it is often better than the person with dysarthria <\/a>to finish the sentence for themselves rather than have others do it for them. If you are talking with someone with dysarthria, even if they are having clear difficulty and you feel sure about what they are going to say, avoid finishing their sentences unless they ask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a caretaker needs questions answered quickly, you may have to answer for them, but allow them to answer as many questions as possible themselves. 
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3. Have a Pen and Paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A pen and paper may seem old-fashioned, but it can be essential to have handy if you are dealing with someone with dysarthria. Especially if the person who suffers from the condition is elderly and comes from a generation for which writing <\/a>by hand was the main way of writing, it may be easier for them to write down their answers than typing or texting them if they are having particular difficulty with speech on a given day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although those with dysarthria should be encouraged to practice their speech and regain mastery over their facial muscles and tongue to form speech, they may want to write something rather than trying to say it for the sake of efficiency or privacy. Many people with dysarthria find that they are not able to speak quietly, so it they want to say something confidentially to someone in a lower tone, they will want to write it down rather than saying it. 
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4. Use Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although the impaired motor functioning experienced by those with dysarthria may extend to the ability to use handheld devices or typing on a computer, this isn\u2019t always the case. The brain injury<\/a> or stroke may affect only the speech areas of the brain but may not have compromised the ability to use one\u2019s hands at all or the ability to form words into ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prevalence of social media has given many dysarthria sufferers a new way to socialize, exchange information and connect with people. There are a large number of those with dysarthria who are elderly and who otherwise may not have been attracted to social media find that Facebook, Twitter or Instagram are excellent opportunities to connect with relatives and express themselves when their ability to speak is impaired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to social media, technology that will literally give Dysarthria a voice through simulated voice technology can make communication easier. 
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5. Speech Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people who suffer from dysarthria can benefit from some type of regular speech therapy to help them either regain their ability to speak regularly or to help them cope with the new situation. It is often the case that the sooner physical therapy is begun after the injury or an illness, the more quickly one may start to regain his or her ability to speak or at least, deal with the situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some cases of Dysarthria are temporary whereas others, especially those caused by brain injury or strokes, may be long term. Even if the prognosis of completely regaining speak is not strongly positive, physical therapy will still improve the situation to the degree that it increases confidence and can make the speech clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although speech therapists are provided at the hospital, long-term, regular speech therapy<\/a> is a must for dysarthria sufferers. It is important to find a speech therapist who has experience specifically with Dysarthria.\u00a0
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6. Support Groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One aspect of Dysarthria that causes great discomfort is not only the hindered ability to speak clearly, but the embarrassment that results. Because the person with dysarthria may have slurred speech or be unable to speak loudly, softly, quickly or slowly enough, they may start to withdraw socially or not go to places they usually might have gone if they didn\u2019t have this disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The social isolation, of course, can make speech problem worse, because they may not communicate verbally if they are alone much of the time. One way to improve communication skills among those who have dysarthria is to support groups<\/a> where people with the same condition can get together and help each other speak. Support groups can foster a feeling of confidence because they enable people to have their feelings validated by those going through the same thing. In addition, someone with dysarthria may feel better about being helped by people who have the same problem.\u00a0
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7. Do Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Expressing thoughts and feelings can be complex and frustrating, particularly for people with Dysarthria. Relaying one\u2019s deepest thoughts and feelings can leave one feeling exposed and embarrassed if these feelings are conveyed in a way that others may have to struggle to understand. Therefore, keeping speech on a simple, functional level may be easier than deeper conversations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing activities with people with Dysarthria, such as knitting, bowling or dancing can help remind them that they have things they can excel at apart from speech, and allowing them to express themselves through simple, direct language that may be easier for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, communication through enjoyable activities <\/a>tends to be less stressful than talking while trying to do errands or practical things, and less stress can make it easier to speak. They may find that their speech problems are less severe than if they are fully focused on trying to speak.
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8. Ask Simple Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are trying to communicate with someone with Dysarthria, keep it simple. Try to avoid asking questions that require lengthy answers such as, \u201cWhat have you been doing this morning?\u201d or \u201cHow do you feel about your new grandchild?\u201d Instead, ask a series of short questions such as, \u201cDid you see your granddaughter today?\u201d and \u201cHow old is she now?\u201d Take your time when asking these several questions so the person doesn\u2019t feel as if they are having question after question fired at them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with Dysarthria <\/a>may want to express their thoughts and feelings, but even this can be done through very few words or simple speech. Think through questions before you ask them and find ways you can simplify speech. Patience is always important, so try not to be in a hurry and take your time during conversations with people with Dysarthria.\u00a0\u00a0
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Communication is a challenge for people with Dysarthria. Some people may be trying to get to the point where they are speaking regularly again, whereas others are trying to find new ways to communicate, given their changed situation. Physical therapy and speech therapy are important, but it doesn\u2019t take an expert to aid someone with Dysarthria on the path to communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have patience when speaking with someone with Dysarthria, and try to avoid situations that are stressful and which will require haste. Ask simple questions and avoid finishing sentences for people with Dysarthria, unless they ask you to. Have a pen and paper handy and use technology to facilitate voice communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media can be a door to a brand new world for dysarthria suffers, so encourage them to text and communicate online as well. No single method will work for everyone, so try different strategies that will improve communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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