speech therapy exercises for dysarthria

9 Most Effective Dysarthria Treatment Exercises

Dysarthria is a speech disorder that makes it hard to speak clearly, control pitch and volume, and keep a steady pace . It can really impact communication and social interactions, affecting someone’s overall quality of life.

But there are exercises to help manage and improve speech clarity when dealing with communication disorders such as Dysarthria.

“Mewing” is a technique that has lately acquired popularity as a therapeutic exercise for dysarthria. Placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth can assist in strengthening the muscles involved in speech production and enhance overall speech clarity . If you wish to understand mewing better, and learn more about its benefits, take a quiz below .

In this article, we’ll also explore:

• 📝 What is dysarthria and how it affects speech production
• 👄 The importance of dysarthria treatment exercises
• ✔️ The benefits of mewing and other non-speech exercises

What Causes Dysarthria?

Motor speech disorders result from a damaged nervous system preventing the full control of particular body parts, in this case, the jaw, the tongue, and the larynx.

Dysarthria can be caused by a range of neurological conditions, injuries, and disorders that affect the parts of the brain responsible for controlling the muscles used in speech production such as the unilateral upper motor neuron.

Here are some of the most common causes of dysarthria:

• Stroke:  A stroke is a serious condition that can cause damage to the brain and affect speech production, resulting in dysarthria.
• Traumatic Brain Injury:  A severe head injury, such as a concussion or skull fracture, can also damage the brain and cause dysarthria.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases:  Conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and ALS can cause degeneration of the nerves and muscles involved in speech production. Patients suffering from these medical conditions can have dysarthria.
• Brain Tumors:  A tumor in the brain can cause dysarthria by interfering with the normal function of the speech muscles.
• Cerebral Palsy:  This condition affects the brain’s development and can cause difficulties with motor function, including speech.
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse:  Chronic use of alcohol or drugs resulting in dysarthria. They can cause damage to the brain and nerves involved in speech production.
• Infections:  Certain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the brain that may lead to dysarthria.
• Medications:  Some medications can affect the nerves and muscles used in speech production, causing dysarthria as a side effect.

Dysarthria: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches

Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by damage or injury to the parts of the brain responsible for controlling the muscles used in speech production. There are different types of dysarthria, each with its own set of characteristics and treatment approaches.

Spastic Dysarthria Treatment

Spastic dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that results in slow, effortful speech with a harsh-sounding voice. Treatment focuses on strengthening weak muscles and improving articulation through exercises. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices can also be used as dysarthria treatment techniques.

Ataxic Dysarthria Treatment

Ataxic dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that causes slurred speech with irregular pauses and a lack of coordination in the speech muscles. Dysarthria exercises may help to improve speech by focusing on practicing rhythm and timing,  breathing correctly , and using a monotone voice.

You may also use other approaches, like speaking at a slower pace and emphasizing sounds or words. Working with a speech-language pathologist can help individuals with ataxic dysarthria develop personalized dysarthria exercises for adults, such as word lists, to practice communication abilities.

Flaccid Dysarthria Treatment

Flaccid dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that results in weak, breathy speech with reduced volume and poor articulation. This type of dysarthria is caused by damage to the lower motor neurons or nerves that control the speech muscles.

Treatment exercises may aim to strengthen the speech muscles, improve breath control, and increase vocal resonance to improve speech quality.

Hyperkinetic Dysarthria Treatment

Hypokinetic dysarthria is a speech disorder often associated with Parkinson’s disease. It is characterized by speaking slowly, lacking inflection, and a reduced volume. The speech muscles become rigid and slow. This results in difficulty with  exercising your facial expression  and speech production.

Treatment exercises for hypokinetic dysarthria may include practicing loud and clear speech and improving breath support and vocal control.

Mixed Dysarthria Treatment

Mixed dysarthria is a complex condition that combines features of different types of dysarthria. It can present a unique challenge for speech-language pathologists as the symptoms vary depending on the specific combination of dysarthria types.

Treatment approaches for mixed dysarthria may involve a combination of exercises that target various speech subsystems, such as respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems. The treatment plan may also involve augmentative and alternative communication strategies to supplement speech.

9 Effective Dysarthria Treatment Exercises for Children and Adults

1. orthotropics.

Orthotropics or mewing refers to a set of lip and tongue exercises that aim to improve facial structure and overall oral posture. They involve techniques, such as tongue twisters and blowing bubbles, to strengthen the muscles by  exercising your jaw .

Mobile apps are also available that promote mewing exercises and provide guidance on proper technique. One of them is our own product: Mewing.coach. The app is designed to provide users with a comprehensive guide to practicing mewing exercises to enhance their jawline and facial appearance.

The app offers a range of features, including instructional videos, progress tracking, and customized workout plans to help users achieve their desired results.

Take a quick quiz to receive a workout program to improve your jaw, facial muscles and overall appearance.

2. Exercises for Breathing Support

Breathing support exercises are methods that help improve the way air exits the lungs. These workouts sometimes entail activities such as blowing up balloons or blowing bubbles to develop the respiratory muscles.

These exercises can be especially beneficial for those who use their voice professionally, such as singers or public speakers, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma.

3. Speaking Exercises

Different tongue exercises  frequently include a variety of activities, such as singing, imitating animal sounds, or performing tongue twisters to help develop the muscles required for speaking.

Children and adults with dysarthria can enhance their speech sounds, breath support, and general facial expressions by completing these exercises on a daily basis. This may be achieved and aided by seeing an expert in speech-language pathology.

4. Expression or Enunciation Exercises

These exercises frequently involve repeating certain sounds, syllables, or phrases that can aid in improving articulation and speech clarity. Children and adults with dysarthria can enhance their capacity to speak and be understood by completing these activities on a daily basis. These exercises may be adjusted to each person’s specific requirements and speech therapy.

5. Steady and Overemphasized Speaking Drills

These exercises include practicing speaking slowly and deliberately, stressing each word and syllable to improve clarity and effectiveness. Individuals may enhance their enunciation, rhythm, and tempo by frequently doing these dysarthria exercises, making their speech more interesting and easier to comprehend.

6. Exercises for Improving Oral-Motor Skills

Oral-motor exercises are techniques for improving the function of the mouth and throat muscles, which can aid in speech, eating, and drinking. Strengthening the tongue, lips, and cheeks requires exercises that include  chewing gum for jawline , sucking on straws, or blowing bubbles.

Individuals who practice these exercises on a regular basis can improve their oral-motor skills, allowing them to eat, speak, and communicate more effectively.

7. Improving Communication Skills Through Conversing with Family and Peers

In addition to dysarthria therapy activities, practicing communication skills with family members or peers can help enhance speaking ability. Conversation with others can assist people with fluency disorders in improving their articulation, vocal intensity, and conversation skills in a natural and comfortable situation.

Individuals may boost their confidence and ability to express themselves successfully in a range of contexts by practicing communication on a regular basis.

8. Implementing Communication Techniques

Exercises for dysarthria therapy are crucial for enhancing speech output in people with this speech problem. Incorporating communication techniques that can improve all aspects of communication, particularly for kids and adults with dysarthria, is equally crucial.

These tactics may include approaches like speaking more slowly, employing gestures or visual aids, and getting comfortable taking turns in conversations.

People with dysarthria can communicate more effectively in their daily lives, enhancing their quality of life and social connections by combining these tactics with dysarthria therapy activities. Overall, effective dysarthria treatment requires a thorough strategy that includes both speech production and communication techniques.

9. Use Visual or Technological Tools

These techniques can help people communicate in settings where speech is difficult or inefficient, such as in loud environments or with strangers. Speech-generating devices, for example, are electronic gadgets that may generate speech from text sentences or symbols that the user selects.

Communication boards, on the other hand, are actual boards containing symbols or pictures that people may point to in order to convey their message.

Other visual aids, in addition to these tools, can be beneficial to people who have disorders. Picture books, visual timetables, and other sorts of visual dysarthria treatment activities for adults.

Collaborating with a Speech Therapists

Collaboration with a speech-language therapist may be tremendously useful for people seeking dysarthria therapy. Speech therapists are skilled practitioners who specialize in diagnosing and treating voice disorders such as speech deficits.

Patients with dysarthria who work with a speech-language therapist can get compensatory strategies and focus on enhancing their speech intelligibility.

Some of the benefits of working with a speech-language therapist for differential diagnosis include:

• Assessment and Diagnosis:  A speech-language therapist can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the specific type and severity of dysarthria, essential for developing an effective treatment plan.
• Tailored Treatment Plan:  Based on the neurogenic speech disorders, a speech-language therapist can create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. Some may even recommend nonspeech exercises.
• Therapy and Exercises:  Speech-language therapy for dysarthria may involve various exercises and techniques to improve articulation, voice production, and overall communication skills.
• Communication Strategies:  A speech-language therapist can provide communication strategies and techniques to individuals with dysarthria to enhance their ability to communicate effectively in different situations.
• Support and Counseling:  Working with a speech-language therapist can provide emotional support and counseling to help individuals cope with the challenges of living with dysarthria.

Working with a speech-language therapist may be a great resource for people with dysarthria who want to enhance their communication skills, quality of life, and general well-being. A therapist will also give you more information on other dysarthria-causing factors and general guidance on  uneven lip exercises .

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Dysarthria?

The time it takes to recover from dysarthria varies substantially depending on the underlying cause and severity of the ailment. Dysarthria may be a transient ailment that cures on its own after a few days or weeks. However, in some cases, it may be a chronic condition that necessitates ongoing treatment and management.

Age, overall health, and the individual’s dedication to treatment can all impact the recovery duration for dysarthria. Individuals who receive early and consistent treatment for dysarthria tend to have better outcomes and recover faster.

Final Thoughts

Dysarthria treatment exercises are essential for improving communication skills and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with this speech disorder. Engaging in therapy with a speech-language therapist, using visual aids, and regular exercising can help to strengthen the muscles used in speech production and improve overall speech clarity.

Individuals with dysarthria need to seek professional help and exercise daily to achieve their communication goals and enhance their quality of life. By doing so, individuals with dysarthria can significantly improve their communication skills, confidence, and well-being.

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Early Childhood Development

Speech therapy

Top 10 Speech Improving Exercises for Kids with Dysarthria

By Rajini D

Last Updated: February 23, 2024

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Dysarthria, a speech disorder affecting countless children, can turn the simple joy of communication into a daily challenge. This condition, stemming from muscle weakness, affects how a child speaks, making it hard to articulate words clearly. But it’s not just about speech; dysarthria touches every part of a young life, from social interactions to self-expression and confidence.

Here’s the silver lining: targeted exercises can make a world of difference. They’re not just exercises; think of them as keys to unlock clearer communication and brighter smiles. That’s why we’re diving into the “Top 10 Speech-Improving Exercises for Kids with Dysarthria.” These aren’t just any exercises; they are carefully chosen activities designed to strengthen the muscles needed for speech, making every word a child says a little easier, a little clearer.

Understanding Dysarthria

Dysarthria may sound like a complex term, but it’s simply a way to describe challenges some children face with speech due to muscle weakness. Think of it this way: for these kids, the muscles they need to speak – like those in their lips, tongue, and throat – aren’t as strong or as responsive as they need to be. This can make their speech sound slurred or slow, and sometimes, it’s hard to understand what they’re saying. But why does this happen?

Well, the reasons can vary. Sometimes, dysarthria in children is due to neurological conditions that affect the brain and nerves, like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Other times, it might be the aftermath of a brain injury or a condition they were born with. What’s important to remember is that each child’s experience with dysarthria is unique.

There are different types of dysarthria too, each affecting speech in its own way. Some types make speech sound choppy, and others might make it sound nasal or breathy. Recognizing the type of dysarthria a child has is key to finding the most effective exercises for them.

Also Read: Understanding the Role of Speech Therapists in Online Settings

Importance of Speech Exercises

So, why are speech exercises so important for dysarthria? Imagine having a box of tools but not knowing how to use them. Speech exercises are like the instruction manual, helping children learn how to use their ‘speech tools’ – their lips, tongue, and lungs – more effectively. These exercises are designed to strengthen these muscles, making it easier for kids to articulate words and control their breath while speaking. The goal? Clearer, more confident speech.

Regular practice of these exercises can lead to improved articulation, meaning kids can pronounce words more clearly. They also help in building strength in the muscles used for speaking and breathing control, making speech not only clearer but also more consistent. This can be a game-changer in daily life, making conversations less of a task and more of a joy.

For specific exercises targeting jaw movement, check out our article on jaw exercises for speech development.

Dysarthria Speech Challenges and Targeted Exercises

Top 10 speech-improving exercises.

1. Lip Strengthening: Let’s start with something both fun and beneficial – blowing bubbles! It’s not just playtime; it’s a fantastic way for kids to strengthen their lip muscles. Another enjoyable exercise is to make exaggerated lip movements, like saying “ooooo” and “eeeeee.” These activities encourage kids to use their lips more, which is essential for clear speech.

2. Tongue Twisters and Articulation: Tongue twisters aren’t just a tongue-tangling challenge; they’re great for improving articulation. Repeating phrases like “She sells sea-shells by the sea-shore” helps kids practice producing challenging sounds and improves their speech clarity.

Also Read: Speech Sound Disorders

3. Breathing Exercises: Simple activities like blowing up balloons are more than just a bit of fun. They’re a fantastic way to help children control their breathing, which is crucial for speech. Controlled breathing supports clearer and more consistent speech, making conversations smoother.

4. Rhythmic Speaking: Singing simple songs or practicing rhythm exercises can dramatically improve speech fluidity and intonation. Music is not only enjoyable but also a powerful tool in speech therapy, helping children naturally improve their speech patterns.

5. Mirror Exercises: Encouraging children to stand in front of a mirror and mimic facial expressions can significantly improve their speech. This exercise helps kids become more aware of their mouth movements, which is key for articulation.

6. Puppetry and Gesture Use: Using sock puppets or hand gestures during storytelling can enhance a child’s expressiveness. These fun activities encourage broader facial movements and gestures, aiding in speech clarity.

7. Jaw Strengthening: Exercises like wide jaw movements help strengthen the jaw, which is vital for clear speech. You can make this exercise a game by pretending to yawn exaggeratedly or by mimicking the opening and closing of a book with the jaw.

8. Interactive Speaking Games: Games like ‘fill-in-the-blank’ sentences not only make learning fun but also improve speech. These games encourage children to think about words and how to articulate them clearly.

Explore our article on Speech Therapy for Autism .

9. Oral Motor Exercises: Activities like sucking through straws or chewing gum help strengthen the muscles in the mouth. These exercises are great for improving overall speech clarity and are especially helpful for children who need extra support with muscle strength in their mouths.

For a comprehensive list of oral motor exercises that can aid in speech improvement, visit our detailed page on this topic.

10. Mewing Technique: This involves teaching children to correctly position their tongues on the roof of their mouth. This exercise, although a bit more advanced, can significantly improve speech clarity by strengthening the tongue, a crucial muscle in speech production.

Exercise Schedule for Dysarthria Improvement

Also Read: Speech and Language Milestones

Incorporating Fun in Exercises

Making speech therapy fun is crucial, especially for kids. After all, the more enjoyable the activity, the more engaged and motivated they’ll be to participate. But how do we make speech therapy fun for kids? Here are some creative tips:

• Turn Exercises into a Game: Children love games, and turning speech exercises into a playful challenge can make a world of difference. For instance, create a treasure hunt where each clue involves a speech exercise, or make a game of Simon Says with speech-related actions.
• Use Stories and Role-Play: Children’s imaginations are limitless. Use storytelling and role-playing to practice speech exercises. Have them narrate a story or play the part of a character, focusing on clear speech as part of their role.
• Incorporate Their Interests: Whether it’s dinosaurs, space, or fairy tales, weaving their interests into speech exercises can make the sessions more engaging and relevant to them.
• Reward Efforts, Not Just Success: Celebrate their efforts, no matter how small. This could be through verbal praise, stickers, or a small treat. The key is to make them feel successful and motivated.

For additional creative tips on engaging children in therapy, particularly those with autism, explore our article on Tips for Parenting an Autistic Child .

Role of Family and Environment

Family involvement is a cornerstone of effective speech therapy. When families participate in exercises, it not only reinforces the learning but also provides emotional support and encouragement.

• Family Participation: Encourage family members to join in the exercises. It could be as simple as practicing speech exercises together during family time or turning it into a fun competition among siblings.
• Create a Supportive Environment: A calm, positive environment at home is essential. Dedicate a quiet space for practice, free from distractions. This will help your child focus and feel comfortable during their exercises.
• Consistency is Key: Regular practice is crucial for progress. Encourage daily practice, but keep it light and enjoyable. Consistency will help in reinforcing what they learn in therapy sessions.
• Be Patient and Understanding: Always approach sessions with patience. Understand that progress takes time, and each child’s pace of learning is different.

The role of parents in therapy is pivotal. Gain more insights from our article on the crucial role of parents in online speech therapy.

Progress Tracker for Speech Exercises

Also Read: Navigating Online Speech Therapy for Non-Verbal Children: A Guide for Parents and Educators

It’s important to remember that the path to clearer speech is a journey, not a sprint. Regular practice and a healthy dose of patience are key ingredients in this journey. Each exercise we’ve shared is a step towards helping your child find their voice, a voice that’s as unique and special as they are.

To all the dedicated parents and caregivers out there, your role in this journey is invaluable. Your support, encouragement, and belief in your child’s abilities can make a monumental difference. Remember, every small progress is a victory, every word a milestone. Celebrate these moments, cherish them, and use them as fuel to keep going, even on days when progress seems slow.

It’s also important to remember that you’re not alone in this. At Wellness Hub , we understand the challenges and joys of this journey. Our resources, guidance, and community support are here to assist you every step of the way. Together, we can help your child unlock their full potential, one word at a time. So, keep going, stay patient, and believe in the incredible power of persistence and love. Your child’s journey to clearer speech is a path filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is dysarthria in children.

Dysarthria in children is a speech disorder resulting from muscle weakness, affecting their ability to speak clearly. It can be caused by neurological conditions, brain injuries, or congenital factors, leading to challenges in articulating words.

2. How Can Exercises Help Children with Dysarthria?

Exercises designed for children with dysarthria focus on strengthening the muscles used in speech. These activities enhance articulation, breathing control, and overall speech clarity, making communication easier and more effective for the child.

3. Are There Fun Ways to Do Speech Therapy at Home?

Absolutely! Speech therapy can be made fun by incorporating games, storytelling, and the child’s interests into exercises. Activities like blowing bubbles, singing, and interactive speaking games not only engage the child but also effectively improve their speech.

4. What Role Do Parents Play in Speech Improvement for Kids with Dysarthria?

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s speech improvement. By participating in exercises, creating a supportive environment, and practicing consistently at home, parents can significantly enhance the effectiveness of speech therapy.

5. How Long Does It Take to See Improvement in a Child with Dysarthria?

The time it takes to see improvement varies for each child, depending on the severity of dysarthria and the consistency of practice. Regular exercises and a patient, supportive approach are key to gradual and steady improvement.

6. Can Dysarthria Be Completely Cured in Children?

The outcome of dysarthria treatment varies. While some children may experience significant improvement, others might continue to face challenges. However, regular speech therapy exercises can greatly enhance speech clarity and quality of life.

7. What Are the Best Resources for Helping Children with Dysarthria?

Resources like specialized speech therapists, online platforms like Wellness Hub, and supportive communities can be immensely helpful. Wellness Hub offers guidance, articles, and tools specifically designed for children with speech disorders.

8. What Are Some Simple Speech Exercises I Can Start with for My Child with Dysarthria?

Simple exercises like blowing bubbles to strengthen lip muscles, practicing tongue twisters for articulation, and mimicking facial expressions in front of a mirror are great starting points. These activities are not only effective but also enjoyable for children.

9. How Can I Make Speech Exercises a Regular Part of My Child’s Routine?

Integrating speech exercises into daily activities can make practice more consistent. Set aside a specific time each day for these exercises, perhaps incorporating them into playtime or family activities. Consistency and making the exercises fun are key to integrating them into your child’s routine.

10. Is Professional Speech Therapy Necessary for Children with Dysarthria?

While home exercises are beneficial, professional speech therapy is often recommended for children with dysarthria. A speech therapist can provide tailored exercises and strategies suited to your child’s specific needs, ensuring more targeted and effective treatment.

About the Author:

Rajini darugupally.

M.Sc., Speech-Language Pathologist (9+ years of experience)

Rajini is a passionate and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with over 9+ years of experience, specializing in both developmental speech and language disorders in children and rehabilitation in adults. Driven by a desire to empower each individual to find their voice, Rajini brings a wealth of experience and a warm, genuine approach to therapy.

Currently, at Wellness Hub, she thrives in a team environment that values innovation, compassion, and achieving results for their clients.

Connect with Rajini to learn more about how she can help you or your loved one find their voice.

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