How Can We Support You?
Understanding Communication and Swallowing Issues
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a condition that makes it harder to speak, understand, read, or write. It happens when the brain is affected by a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition, but it does not affect intelligence. People with aphasia still know what they want to say but may struggle to express it.
Common signs of Aphasia:
What is Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)?
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a type of aphasia that gradually worsens over time, often due to a form of dementia affecting language areas in the brain. Unlike stroke-related aphasia, PPA starts with subtle language difficulties that progress over time, such as trouble finding words or forming sentences.
Speech and Language Therapy can help slow the progression of language difficulties, provide communication strategies, and support both individuals and their families in adapting to changes.
What is Cognitive Communication Disorder?
Cognitive communication disorders affect the ability to think, process, and express ideas clearly. These difficulties are often caused by brain injuries, strokes, dementia, or conditions such as Long COVID.
Common signs of a Cognitive Communication Disorder:
Speech and Language Therapy can help by improving memory, attention, and communication strategies, making conversations and daily tasks easier to manage.
What is Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of Speech is a condition where the brain struggles to send the correct signals to the muscles needed for speech. This makes it difficult to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speaking. People with apraxia may know exactly what they want to say but struggle to produce the correct sounds or words.
Common signs of Apraxia:
With the right therapy, individuals with apraxia can improve their speech coordination, making communication smoother and more natural.
What is Dysarthria?
Dysarthria happens when the muscles used for speech become weakened or difficult to control, often due to neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or Motor Neurone Disease. This can make speech sound unclear or difficult to understand.
Common signs of Dysarthria:
How Speech Therapy Helps: We focus on strengthening the muscles involved in speech, improving clarity, and enhancing communication through techniques such as breath control, articulation exercises, and vocal strengthening.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing, which can happen due to a stroke, neurological condition, or other medical issues. It can make eating and drinking harder and, in some cases, lead to choking or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway).
Common Signs of Dysphagia:
How Speech Therapy Helps: We provide personalised swallowing therapy to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and teach techniques to make eating and drinking safer and more comfortable, helping you enjoy meals with confidence.
What is Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Support?
Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs can affect someones swallow or how someone communicates. Conditions such as anxiety, selective mutism, depression, or schizophrenia can make it harder to speak, join in conversations or feel comfortable eating and drinking. These challenges are not just physical, they are closely linked with how safe, calm and confident a person feels.
Common signs that someone may need SEMH support with communication or swallowing:
Speech therapy provides a safe, supportive space where there is no pressure to “perform.” I work gently at each person’s pace, using strategies that build confidence in both communication and mealtimes.
What is Cluttering and Stammering?
Fluency refers to the flow of speech. Some people experience stammering, where speech may be interrupted by repeating sounds, stretching out sounds, or blocks that make talking feel effortful. Others may experience cluttering, where speech is fast, slurred, or disorganised, making it hard for listeners to follow. These differences are not linked to intelligence – the person knows what they want to say, but expressing it smoothly can be challenging.
Common signs of fluency difficulties:
Speech therapy supports smoother, more confident communication through tailored strategies.
LSVD® LOUD
What is LSVT LOUD®?
LSVT LOUD® is a treatment designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions speak more clearly and loudly. It has been used around the world for many years and is known for helping people improve their voice and speech. This program includes:
1. Initial Assessment
- A speech therapist will evaluate your voice and speech.
- You will get a plan that is made just for you.
2. 16 Therapy Sessions
- Four sessions a week for four weeks (total of 16 sessions).
- Each session is 60 minutes long and led by a trained therapist.
- You will do exercises to improve how loud and clear you speak.
3. Practice at Home
- You will get materials to practice at home each day.
- You will have recordings and exercises to help track your progress.
4. Checking Progress
- Your therapist will check in regularly to see how you’re doing.
- At the end, you will get a report about your progress and how to keep improving.
5. Support After the Program
- You will have a follow-up session to see how you’re doing and get answers to any questions.
Why Choose LSVT LOUD®?
Proven Success
LSVT LOUD® has helped people with Parkinson’s and other conditions improve how they speak.
Speak with Confidence
You will notice a difference in your speech, which can help you in everyday life, like talking with family, friends, and co-workers.
Expert Support
Certified therapists will help you throughout the program, ensuring you get the best care.