Many people can identify one or a few types of speech disorders, but speech therapists treat many kinds of conditions in reality. Some speech disorders are present at birth, while others develop with time.
Some may stem from a disability or an injury, while others are due to neurological function. Regardless of the root cause, speech therapy can improve the quality of life for most patients. In this article, we discuss what may cause speech syndromes or disorders, different types of speech defects and how a therapist can help with speech problems.
Causes of Speech Disorders
Speech disorders affect nerves, muscles, vocal cords, and other parts within the throat. What causes these speech disorders?
- Brain damage
- Strokes
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Weak muscles
- Polyps on the vocal cords
In some cases, a speech syndrome can occur in people with medical conditions such as:
- Oral cancer
- Autism
- Dementia
- Laryngeal cancer
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
It is also worth noting that speech disorders can be hereditary and may develop over time.
Common Types of Speech Disorders
At GenPhysio, we encounter patients with various forms of speech problems. Below are some of the types of speech defects we can help treat:
Stuttering
Stuttering comes in different forms, including long pauses, repetitions, and prolongations. This fluency disorder is common in cases of excitement or nervousness. Individuals with this speech problem may feel tense and tend to avoid words or situations that may trigger stuttering. Other secondary physical behaviours include jaw tightening and excessive eye blinking.
Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms (ADHD)
ADHD is a chronic condition that makes it hard for people to control their behaviour or pay attention, leading to communication problems. Some people with ADHD may not be hyperactive, but those who do experience problems staying still. Individuals with ADHD may experience aggression, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and different mood swings.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
A person with childhood apraxia of speech experiences difficulties stringing sounds correctly to make a word. It occurs because the brain experiences problems in movement coordination.
Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a brain injury-related speech disorder that occurs when muscles in the tongue, lips, or jaws are too weak to form words properly.
Resonance Disorders
A resonance disorder is caused by airflow blockage in the throat, mouth, or nose, affecting voice quality vibrations. The leading causes of this disorder are swollen tonsils and cleft palate.
Signs That a Speech Problem Should Be Assessed
Recognising the early signs of a speech problem can help you access the right support sooner and improve long-term outcomes. It may be time to see a Speech Pathologist if you or a loved one experiences:
- Persistent difficulty pronouncing words or sounds clearly
- Slurred, unclear or difficult-to-understand speech
- Stuttering that interferes with everyday conversations, work or social interactions
- Ongoing changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness or a strained voice
- Difficulty understanding language or expressing thoughts clearly
- Trouble swallowing food, drinks or medication safely
- Noticeable communication changes following a stroke, brain injury or neurological condition
Can Speech Disorders Improve?
Improvement depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition and how early treatment begins.
Some developmental speech disorders respond very well to early intervention, while adults recovering from stroke, brain injury or other neurological conditions may regain communication skills or learn new strategies through therapy.
Certain neurological speech syndromes associated with progressive conditions may require ongoing management, with Speech Pathologists focusing on maintaining communication, supporting independence and helping individuals adapt as their needs change.
How Speech Therapy Helps Different Types of Speech Abnormalities
Although the types of speech abnormalities people experience can vary considerably, speech therapy is always tailored to the individual’s specific needs, goals and underlying condition. Depending on your diagnosis, therapy may include:
- Speech exercises to improve pronunciation, clarity and fluency
- Language therapy to strengthen understanding, word retrieval and expressive communication
- Voice therapy to improve vocal quality, volume and vocal endurance
- Swallowing therapy to make eating and drinking safer for people with dysphagia
- Cognitive-communication strategies that support memory, attention, problem-solving and conversation skills following neurological conditions
- Home practice programs that reinforce new skills between appointments
- Family and carer education to help loved ones support communication in everyday situations
Because no two speech syndromes are the same, treatment is regularly reviewed and adjusted as your needs change. This individualised approach helps maximise progress while building confidence in everyday communication.
Get Help from a Speech Therapist Today
Some speech and language disorders may not require treatment as they go away with time, while others can improve with speech therapy. Diagnosis and treatment mainly involve speech exercises and treating the primary condition that may be exacerbating the problems.
At GenPhysio, we offer tailor-made speech therapy sessions that will help enhance your speech quality. We also provide mobile speech therapy services. Please get in touch with us today to book our therapy sessions that will change your quality of life.
