Intensive Speech Programs for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Neurological Disorders

WHO

People with speech and voice difficulties due to age-related voice and speech changes as well as acquired and progressive neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, and Autism.

ASSESSMENT

A comprehensive evaluation of speech and voice.

TREATMENT

Exercises to improve the strength of voice and clarity of voice and speech.

Neurogenic Speech Therapy

At Open Lines®, your expertly trained speech-language pathologist (SLP) begins with a one-on-one comprehensive speech-motor and voice evaluation to gather baseline data about various aspects of your voice and speech to understand your goals, and to develop a plan for you.

During the evaluation process, medical history, performance on assessment tasks, responsiveness to trialed therapy techniques, and other factors are considered, which help your SLP develop a plan to help you improve your communication and quality of life. The goals and logistics of therapy programs are individualized to each participant’s needs.

Intensive Speech and Voice Therapy Programs

Following your assessment but prior to the initiation of an intensive program, we begin with an initial education and training treatment session to review evaluation findings and discuss results, impressions, and a plan of exercises and expectations. During this session, there are opportunities to practice the treatment exercises, prepare for the intensive program, and answer any questions you may have.

In this intensive program, we target physical aspects of speaking, such as reduced loudness and speech clarity. However, we also address one’s susceptibility to distractions, impaired attention and memory recall, and delayed word retrieval. The impact anxiety and stress can have on thinking and talking is also addressed.

Benefits of this program include:

Improved vocal loudness with no strain for a voice that can be heard and understood
Improved breath support and control
Improved intonation for voice that is more expressive
Improved speech clarity and intelligibility
More effective and easier communication in real-world settings
Improved quality of life

LSVT LOUD® Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease, Other Neurological Disorders and Aging

All Open Lines® clinicians are specially trained in LSVT LOUD®, known internationally as the gold standard approach for respiratory-voice-speech disorders in people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, as well as aging. Candidates are provided with the gold standard protocol with expert supervision from in-house LSVT LOUD® faculty and clinical experts.

Programs are delivered in an intensive mode: four to five days a week for one hour with a robust home exercise program for all four weeks of the program. Following the initial intensive program, maintenance sessions are available in less-intensive modes.

Other research-based methods are also used to target difficulties with concentrating, remembering, and talking while at work, at home, or with friends. All programs are available online or in the comfort of your own home*.

Intensive Voice and Speech Programs at Open Lines®

Contact Open Lines® today by phone at 212-430-6800, by email at [email protected], or through our contact form. If you are ready to take the next steps in treating your voice and speech difficulties, request an appointment to discuss your goals and review our service options.

^{*Additional fees may apply}