Diagnosing of Speech and Language Disorders in Adults

Many people associate speech therapy with kids, but speech and language disorders can affect adults and, in the process, impact communication, social interactions, and quality of life. Recognizing and diagnosing speech disorders in adults is the first step toward effective treatment and improved communication.

Several conditions fall under the umbrella of speech and language disorders, ranging from difficulties in articulation to problems with comprehension or speech fluency. The good news is that the speech-language pathologists at Go Physical Therapy can help you understand your speech difficulties and develop personalized strategies to improve your communication.

Diagnosing speech disorders in adults is straightforward, but understanding that diagnosis might not be as clear. Today, we want to explore common speech and language disorders that affect adults.

Five Speech and Language Disorders in Adults

Aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that impacts a person’s ability to understand or produce language. It often occurs after a stroke or brain injury, and it can stem from neurological conditions such as dementia.

Aphasia Symptoms

• Having trouble finding the right words when speaking
• Struggling to form complete sentences
• Challenges in understanding spoken or written language

Apraxia of Speech

Apraxia of speech affects the brain’s ability to send the correct signals to the muscles used for speaking, which makes speech slow or slurred. It can develop due to stroke, head injury, or neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

Apraxia of Speech Symptoms

• Difficulty saying words correctly (even though you know what you want to say)
• Inconsistent speech errors
• Awareness of errors, which may cause frustration

Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by weakness or damage in the muscles involved in speech production. Causes include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. 

Dysarthria Symptoms

• Slurred or mumbled speech
• Difficulty controlling volume or tone
• Limited facial movements

Voice Disorders

Voice disorders occur when vocal cords are damaged or strained, leading to changes in pitch, loudness, or vocal quality. Causes vary wildly, including overuse, illnesses like laryngitis, or vocal cord nodules.

Voice Disorder Symptoms

• Hoarseness or breathiness
• Loss of vocal range
• Chronic throat discomfort

Stuttering

Stuttering, or disfluency, affects the flow of speech, making it hard to start or complete words or sentences. Although it’s associated with children, many people will retain a stutter into adulthood. It’s thought to be caused by genetic factors.

Symptoms

• Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words
• Prolonged speech sounds
• Tension or visible struggle while speaking

The Benefits of Speech Therapy for Adults

Speech therapy offers evidence-based strategies to address the specific challenges of different speech or language disorders. The Go Physical Therapy therapists will work closely with you or your loved one to ensure we understand your symptoms and condition–that way, we can create a personalized care plan that meets your needs, using techniques like the following:

• Exercises to strengthen speech muscles
• Techniques to improve clarity and fluency
• Strategies for effective nonverbal communication

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

• Enhances clarity and fluency, making it easier to express thoughts and ideas
•  Builds confidence in social, professional, and personal interactions.
• Helps improve key cognitive skills, including problem-solving, memory, and attention
• Reduces frustration and improves overall well-being by addressing communication barriers.

Diagnosing Speech Disorders: The First Step Toward Clearer Communication

Diagnosing speech disorders in adults is just one of the things the Go Physical Therapy team can do. We go beyond the diagnosis to provide tailored treatment plans to meet your individual needs.

Schedule an appointment at our Grand Island, NE clinic today to get started.