Speech

The skill of speech sound production can be affected at any point throughout the lifespan. Some adults may have ongoing problems with speech production which have continued through since childhood. Other adults may have experienced clear speech for many years until their existing speech skills were affected by:
• Stroke or traumatic brain injury
• A progressive neurological condition such as Parkinson’s Disease or Motor Neurone Disease
• Oral / facial surgery
• Dental intervention
Acquired speech disorders generally fall into one of two categories:
Slurred, breathy, or slow speech caused by weak or paralysed muscles in the mouth, face or respiratory system.
Difficulty saying individual speech sounds, words and sentences due to problems organising the speech muscles to form the sounds correctly. This is a problem involving coordination of the muscles. There is not necessarily any muscle weakness.