Spastic Dysarthria Secondary to Cerebral Palsy within the Pediatric Population

Cerebral palsy is a neuromuscular disorder that affects movements and posture as a result of brain damage or abnormal development of the brain. The muscular weakness and dyscoordination common in cerebral palsy also affect the muscles required for verbal communication, resulting in a disorder called dysarthria. Dysarthria could present with oral motor dysfunction that causes changes in speech characteristics and intelligibility. The author studied one type of CP, namely, the spastic type. The poster presentation starts with an overview of CP, relevant communication disorders, and various treatment methods. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) is becoming an increasingly used approach to increase vocal intensity. Recent studies have shown that LSVT is effective in improving verbal communication in children with spastic dysarthria.