Speech Therapy

Speech therapists can identify the most effective methods of communication for patients who have aphasia, dysarthria, or verbal apraxia or who have had a laryngectomy:

• Expressive aphasia: A letter or picture board

• Mild to moderate dysarthria or apraxia: Breathing and muscle control plus repetition exercises

• Severe dysarthria or apraxia: An electronic device with a keyboard and message display (print or screen)

• Postlaryngectomy: A new way to produce a voice (eg, by an electrolarynx—see Laryngeal Cancer: Rehabilitation)

Speech therapists may also assist in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.

(See also Overview of Rehabilitation.)