Dysarthria

This article introduces the motor speech disorder known as dysarthria. The article begins by presenting a brief overview of integrative models of speech production and speech motor control. Next, dysarthria classification, causes and characteristics are described followed by assessment including auditory-perceptual measures, analysis of communication participation and instrumental analysis of speech using speech acoustics and kinematic methods. Treatment approaches are considered with an emphasis on those that maximize functional communication in dysarthria. The approaches presented include both global and impairment-based approaches as well as listener training programs. A summary of existing alternative treatment approaches is also provided. The article ends by presenting evidence suggesting that factors other than dysarthria complicate assessment and intervention for clients with complex medical conditions that are known to affect more than the speech motor system.