Speech Therapy

Why would I need to see a Speech Therapist?

Children may see a speech pathologist for the diagnosis and treatment of:

• Hearing impairment

• Birth defects, such as a cleft palate

• Articulation disorders

• Issues with oral-motor reflexes

• Autism

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Cognitive delays

• Weak oral or tongue muscles

Adults may see a speech pathologize for the diagnosis and treatment of:

Some problems with speech and swallowing appear in adults for a variety of reasons, such as a traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), or multiple sclerosis (MS).

LSVT LOUD Treatment

Speech-Language Pathologist, Travis Miller, is LSVT certified.

What is LSVT LOUD?

LSVT LOUD is an effective speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions. LSVT LOUD trains people with PD to use their voice at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work, or in the community. Key to the treatment is helping people "recalibrate" their perceptions so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a normal loudness level.While LSVT LOUD has helped people in all stages of PD, the majority of research has been on those in moderate stages of the disease. LSVT LOUD has also helped people with atypical parkinsonisms, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and has recently shown promise for adults with speech issues arising from stroke or multiple sclerosis and children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. Beginning your work with LSVT LOUD before you've noticed significant problems with voice, speech and communication will often lead to the best results, but it's never too late to start. LSVT LOUD has the potential to produce significant improvements even for people facing considerable communication difficulties.

What does LSVT LOUD Improve?

LSVT LOUD improves communication by helping you speak with a voice and volume that's easy for others to hear and understand. The treatment is built on tailored exercises that strengthen the voice box (larynx) and speech system.The main focus of the treatment is to “speak LOUD!” However, it doesn't teach you to shout. Instead, LSVT LOUD retrains the feedback mismatch that PD often causes, helping you become comfortable with a voice that you can use without strain at a loudness you'll know sounds normal to friends and family. Research shows treatment can also help with other qualities that improve communication, including articulation and intonation and even facial expression.