How To Help Those with Dysarthria and Aphasia Talk Better

Learn How to Help
those with Dysarthria and
Aphasia Talk.

Learn How to Help Those with Dysarthria and Aphasia Talk

One of the secrets of speech therapy for aphasia and dysarthria deals with the concept of modeling.  It is the way we talk in the presence of others.  Our listeners will often mimic how and what we say.  This concept is demonstrated easily by children who automatically learn new expressions and vocabulary from just being around us.

How to Talk to Those with Dysarthria and Aphasia

Therefore we must speak to the person with aphasia or dysarthria at the level where they can easily repeat it without frustration, and there must be minimal error.    Caregivers are learning how to model easy speech so that it is easy to learn.  If it's too hard which is often the case, there will be little if any success.  

Talking with Those with Aphasia and Dysarthria

Many articles have been written about “How to Talk to those with Aphasia,” and few have submitted articles about “How to Talk to Those with Aphasia and Dysarthria to help them Talk Better.”

Start at their Level of Difficulty

Successful caregivers and therapists start at what the person with aphasia or dysarthria can successfully do.  If they can mimic 2, 3, or 4 word phrases in the case of a more severe speaking difficulty, that is how you speak with them.  You can speak to them in 2,3, or 4 words.  If they can repeat what you have said at that level, you then make a commitment to change your speaking and speak to them in 2, 3, or 4 words only.  

If you can do that, and do so consistently they will be hearing the model for their new way of speaking around the clock.  And, if you require an answer to your questions in 2, 3, or 4 words, they likely will improve speaking over time especilly if you understand what will work for your loved one.  Each person with dysarthria and aphasia is different and there is no "magic bullet."  That is why you want to work with a therapist whoi truly understands speaking.  He or she can help teach you exactly where to start and what to do to get maximum speaking recovery.  This holds true with dysarthria also.  You constantly model the length and slow speed of the utterance they can imitate all day long.

How to Help Your Loved One With Aphasia or Dysarthria Talk Better

You can learn to help you loved one or client easily talk better as long as they desire a change of speaking, are stimulable and can easily imitate what they hear.  One of the reasons why many are not successful is because the caregiver does not know what to do or how to help their loved one at home.  So much precious time is wasted when those at home are not trained what to do there.  You can learn how many words to help them say, the speed at which to speak with them, and the words and expressions that are fun and useful.

You Can Be Mentored by an Expert with over 40 Years Experience Helping Those With Dysarthria & Aphasia

You can be mentored in real time online to help your loved one talk better, or you can independently learn the Teaching of Talking Method through our home study course that you can access online 24/7.  The online course is also completely guaranteed.  To find out more go to teachingoftaking.com or please feel free to find out how to contact us at TeachingofTalking.com  You can call, e mail, or text me from the information contained there.

Does Age Affect Prognosis for Speech Recovery after Stroke

Is Age a Predictor of Speech Recovery Following Stroke and Aphasia

Does Age Affect Prognosis for Recovery
of Speech After Stroke

One of the most frequent questions asked following stroke and aphasia are "What factors improve the prognosis for speech recovery after a stroke.  It is a common belief that the younger the individual is who has the stroke, the better the chances are for recovery.  Many therapists have their beliefs and biases.

However, the scientific and medical communities have been pursuing research to determine whether age is a factor that will influence the prognois for improvement of speech.  The design of their research may also affect the conclusions.  Those who study stroke and aphasia are now using not only behavioral and speech measurements to look at a person's improvement of speaking over time, but also using various brain scans and other scientific measurements which look at the site and location of the lesion at the time of stroke, and in follow up tests. 

  Does Age Affect the Prognosis for Recovery After Stroke?  What Should I Believe?

The Conclusion of the VA Study of Age and Speech Recovery After  Stroke

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• The VA Study concluded that age is not a significant predictor of outcome or amount of change a person with aphasia or apraxia will be capable of with speech and language therapy.  Wertz & Dronkers (1990)

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• In reviewing these studies there are factors which may influence their conclusions. However, within the fields of rehabilitation today this is an acceptable conclusion. However there are always skeptics.  Others may argue that motivation, the amount of speech and language stimulation and the personal behaviors of the patient and family are of equal importance.  

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• This study may also helps us understand that it is never too late to do speech and language therapy for those with aphasia, whether young or old.

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• For those who wish to be mentored to do speech and language stimulation at home, or for those who wish to pursue a video course in The Teaching of Talking Method, please learn more at teachingoftalking.com   

You Can Learn Aphasia Speech Therapy at Home From an Expert Therapist

You can learn apraxia aphasia speech therapy
  when you have an expert therapist to teach you

You can Learn How To Do Apraxia Aphasia Speech Therapy from an Expert Therapist

You can learn how to help your loved one with aphasia talk at home.  It is especially of interest to  caregivers, and students who wish to learn expert methods to help their loved ones talk.  The photograph above is entitled:  “Musical Chairs.” It is a similar to what those with aphasia and apraxia and their loved ones may go through in the speech therapy process.

Finding the Right Speech Therapist to Mentor You

Many therapists, caregivers and those with aphasia have difficulty achieving good speech therapy results with apraxia, aphasia and dysarthria.  The successful approach to speech therapy where an individual with aphasia or a profound speaking difficulty is actually taught to “talk” is like Musical Chairs.  You may have to go around and around until you find the right teacher or therapist.  That is paramount.  Then you must commit to learning a method by applying language stimulation in the proper way to help the person with aphasia speak in words, phrases or sentences at home.

Many Caregivers and Family Members are Learning Professional Aphasia Apraxia Speech Therapy Techniques From Expert Therapists

Many may think they can't learn what will really be needed to help those with aphasia talk.  The opposite may be true.  They just haven’t found the right therapist to learn from and therefore there is relatively little if any progress.

What the Research Concludes About Success with Speech Therapy

Speech therapy and results of improved speaking are highly correlated to the relationship of the speech language pathologist with the caregiver and person with aphasia.  That quality, rapport, trust, and enjoyment along with expert methods highly increases the chances for speaking improvement.

Where you can go to Learn Apraxia and Aphasia Speech Therapy to Use at Home

We develop relationships with caregivers and their loved ones with aphasia by offering personal mentoring by Moshe Mark Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP Speech Language Pathologist with over 40 years experience and dedication to those with aphasia.  Teachingoftalking.com. If you are a spouse, family member, student or therapist who wishes to learn new tools to help those with aphasia talk better, feel free to contact us through our website to find out more about personal mentoring or video training. We also do lectures and group trainings.  Contact us today at teachingoftalking.com

We appreciate hearing from you. Let us know if you ever have any questions.

Thanks,

Mark A. Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP

Apraxia-Aphasia Speech Therapy Deciding on a Therapist

Should I Stay With My Speech Therapist for Apraxia or Aphasia?

Deciding on a therapist
Apaxia Speech Therapy
  

Apraxia-Aphasia Speech Therapy requires a special relationship with the therapist.  This blog is about your decisions on a therapist/s.  There may be a time when you may wonder whether the the method of speech therapy or therapist is right for you.  Like any relationship in life, there are therapists who are absolutely spectacular, and others who are not.  Should you think the therapist or method is not for you, it's best to decide whether to keep the therapist you have or look elsewhere.

Don't Stay in a Relationship with a Therapist Too Long if You or Your Spouse Realizes it may not be for you.

In these days of dwindling health care therapy visits, one must use them wisely.  Often people with speaking difficulties need an expert, especially if it may be complicated by aphasia, apraxia or dysarthria.  Often an expert therapist can find ways to deal with different speaking symptoms simultaneously that can often save a great deal of time.  There are those who may only approach one speaking symptom at a time, when there are others who can address more.  

Studies Show The Relationship With The Therapist is Often as Important as The Actual Therapy

1.  Make sure you like the therapist and the material covered in therapy is useful at home for speaking and talking.

2.  The best therapists train the spouse or caregiver since those who make the most progress and recovery are able to have lots of speaking practice at home.

3.  Since speaking is conversational, make sure you have the opportunity to use what you are doing in therapy with your spouse or family member at home while speaking.

4.  Cognitive therapies can often be done within a conversation, so make sure your therapist is also working on talking. 

Decide to Stay With Your Therapist or Get Another Opinion from a Different One who Does Apraxia or Aphasia Speech Therapy

If you are deciding whether a different therapist or therapy may be preferable, it may be a good idea to get an expert second opinion.  The more knowledge you can acquire, the better decisions you will be able to make about therapists and who the best one is for you and your loved one.

Your Gut Reaction (Intuition) Deciding on a Therapist

Sometime we just know when something is right or wrong for us.  Decide on a therapist.  Always be willing to discuss your progress and goals.  If you are in the right place, therapy should be fun, and interactive and the ability to speak should improve with each visit!

If you would like more information about one on one mentoring where Mark will work individually with you, helping your loved one talk, please visit our website and contact us.  If you are interested in a home study course in how to stimulate speech and language click here:  teachingoftalking.com    One is actually hands-on mentoring and the other is a course in The Teaching of Talking Method which is an independent study Method.

The Teaching of Talking Online Video Course for Caregivers and Therapists is now on-sale from December 22, 2017-January 10, 2018.

You can order the online video course for caregivers and therapists by going to teachingoftalking.com or find out about individualized mentoring.

Apraxia Speech Therapy Goals for Better Speech

It's Important to Have Goals in Apraxia Speech Therapy Like It is in Life.

Goals in Apraxia Speech Therapy

Apraxia speech therapy goals for
better speech often change

Goals should be fluid and easily modifiable.  Speech difficulties are like people.  There are no two speaking difficulties that are exactly alike.  They may be similar to totally different from one another, even for the same diagnosis.  That is why it is prudent to work with a professional speech language pathologist who can help identify the goals that are easily manageable and teach them to you. Once learned you can use them at home and chances are, make wonderful progress.

Speech Therapy Goals May Need to be Changed

Speech therapy goals may need to be changed or altered as the person with the speaking difficulty progresses towards better talking.  Speech therapy goals change as the ability to speak changes.  It's that simple.  A watchful therapist observes speaking constantly and is there to tweak the approach, method, and goals to facilitate speaking improvement.  Therapy goals and methods should be variable.  Rarely is it the same ole thing.

To Make The Most Progress in Apraxia or Aphasia Speech Therapy Ones Goals Often Change

If you understand the goals of therapy and see positive speaking improvement you know the method is successful.  If however, you find that progress is not forthcoming it is often prudent to have a discussion with your therapist about the approach or method and do your best to determine whether the goals should be updated.  It's like a ship on the sea.  It may need to change course from time to time, depending on the conditions.  Sometimes the method or therapist may need to be changed.

Change is Often Good in Apraxia Speech Therapy

Change is always occurring.  We should be open to changing the method or therapist if we are not happy with the results of therapy.  It keeps everything going forward.  Especially your progress towards the goal of better speaking.

Should you wish to consider one on one mentoring you can contact us through our website at teachingoftalking.com  You may pusure the training independently from the video course, and it has a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee.

Aphasia and Apraxia Speech Therapy Success Routines

Spouses learn and then
do aphasia and apraxia
speech therapy success
routines

The Importance of  Routines to Success in Aphasia and Apraxia Speech Therapy

The secret to success in aphasia and apraxia speech therapy, or just about any endeavor are the rituals and routines. Rituals and routines are those things we commit to doing on a regular basis, like talking within conversations with those who have aphasia at home each and every day.

Those Who Succeed in Aphasia and Apraxia Speech Therapy  follow routines, rituals and schedules to get Better Speaking

 Rituals and routines in aphasia and apraxia speech therapy help assure commitment and achievement in whatever aspect of speaking you are pursuing.

Rituals and Routines in Aphasia and Apraxia Speech Therapy are Essential to Better Talking

  Here is a quote from a couple who receive speech therapy:

  "In a month we will have been working with our therapist for three years. It has taken effort and tenacity but hasn't really felt like work. Don and I look forward to conversing now instead of being fearful and frustrated. We are so grateful."  Deb Johnson


Let's analyze the above statement:

Working with our therapist for 3 years.  

They have a continual commitment to improved speaking.   Deb is trained to stimulate Don's speech each and every day, at home.  Aphasia and apraxia speech therapy for them is an enjoyable ritual and routine.

Effort and Tenacity

Effort is the ability to act and do what is necessary for improved speaking.  In this case Deb exerts herself to learn how to help Don talk, and then converses with him using a fun and conversational method to improve talking.

Tenacity is Determination

Tenacity is having a bull dog mentality to learn how to get better talking and doing it without fail.  We all get tired from time to time, and tenacity often means the ability to get the job done even when you feel like sitting down in the recliner and watching tv.

It Hasn't felt like work

Many people look at exerting themselves at work.  Many have jobs or "work" and they must wake up each morning to face the grind of a job they really do not care for or enjoy.

We look forward to conversing now instead of being fearful and frustrated.

Deb and Don no longer feel fearful and frustrated when speaking.  She wanted to help Don talk but did not know how.  No one ever coached and mentored her to do what was necessary to help him talk better.

When we engage in aphasia and apraxia speech therapy and commit to it with effort and tenacity and have a therapist who is challenging and makes the tasks doable, results often happen.

The Teaching of Talking Method was developed to improve talking through actual conversation.  It is a method that incorporates the principles of aphasia and apraxia speech therapy while talking and conversing.  It doesn't even seem like therapy (often associated with "work, ") because it's fun and interactive and emphasizes talking rather than exercises that often do not relate to actual talking between people.

To find out how you can be mentored or learn the Teaching of Talking Method:

Apraxia Speech Therapy The Cure for Anger

Apraxia Speech Therapy
The Cure for Anger

Just about everyone receiving speech therapy for apraxia will have  anger issues.There are emotional ups and downs for many people who have apraxia, dysarthria and aphasia. Imagine waking up one day, and your life is drastically changed.  You are out of work, incapacitated and you find that you have difficulty talking.  All your life Talking was so easy.  You didn't even have to think about it.  You said what you wanted to say, and when you wanted.

And then there's the issue that many people can not understand you.  You say what you want to say, and they just don't get it!  And then you realize that your speech is just like a great big, jumbled up word salad.  You may have trouble walking, and talking. People may have difficulty understanding you, and even one of your arms and a leg on your right or left side may not work very well.

Your friends don't want to come over, and the ones you have are not showing up.  You see them when out and about, and you can't speak clearly to them, and you are afraid they think you are now a mental and physical misfit!

So you are hyper-sensitive, scared, confused, uncertain, and worried if you will take another fall, or choke when you eat and drink.  Life could not be worse.  Many who have this problem at first might have the same feelings of sadness and apprehension, and you know there are some who seem to recover.

So you wonder.  Your family wonders.  When will this pass?  Will your walking, and talking return to the way they were before the stroke?

You get angry; Why?  They don't understand you, and you are depressed that this catastrophic event has happened.

When you get angry, you just want to get away, and not interact with anyone.  It's normal at first.  For those who may be undergoing apraxia speech therapy and have anger issues, here is a an image  that will give you a suggestion of what to do.

The Cure for anger in apraxia speech therapy?  Love is Caring For Each Other.....Even When you are Angry!

Apraxia Speech Therapy Suggestions

I came across these apraxia speech therapy suggestions suggestions in the A.M. and thought there was a lot of wisdom in them; for all of us! Please like and share.  teachingoftalking.com

Add caption

Some Great Suggestions to Keep in Mind for Those with Apraxia Speech Therapy

Apraxia Speech Therapy Review of The Teaching of Talking Method

Apraxia Speech Therapy
Review Teaching of
Talking and Author

 Review of The Teaching of Talking Method and the Author

Many people are interested in reviewing The Teaching of Talking, and author Moshe Mark Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP Speech Language Pathologist who has spent over 40 years developing a way to train families and therapists in ways to help those with apraxia and aphasia talk better.

Goals of The Teaching of Talking for Families and Therapists of those with Aphasia, Apraxia, and Dysarthria

One of the major goals of The Teaching of Talking is to help train family members of those with moderate to prodound speaking difficulties.  We believe they can be achieved faster and better when spouses, family members and therapists are trained in the methods of the Teaching of Talking which have been developed for last 44 years.

Reveiw of Teaching of Talking and Author

Here is the link so that you can review the author's background and qualification and what other people have said about The Teaching of Talking Method.  There are even short videos from therapists and family members.

http://teachingoftalking.com/testimonials

Apraxia Speech Therapy Where to go for Help

Where do I go for help now?

Where do you go for help when the insurance runs out or the therapist nicely informs you that your loved one has plateaued?

Thousands of families in the US and around the world start getting skilled care for aphasia, dysarthria or apraxia, and one day... Uh-Oh they are informed that either the loved one has plateaued, or the number of approved visits has been met.  Imagine the shock and dismay when this happens.

Where Should I Invest My Resources and Go for Help?

There is a growing movement today, especially among people who have suffered from stroke and aphasia and other neurological speaking difficulties to believe that they can get true help from an i pad with some apps for a severe-profound speech and language loss.  So a very sizable investment is made, apps are purchased thinking this will be the answer to help the loved one speak again, and unfortunately with time it is soon realized that this piece of technology and software is NOT doing the trick to help their loved one speak better.

The Concept of Skilled or Expert Care

There is a distincition here you should be aware of.  There is a true difference between skilled and expert care.  Skilled care is provided by anyone, no matter what the experience level is.  Skilled care can be someone with literally the bare minimum of experience, however they are certified and licensed as a speech language pathologist.  

Then there are the experts.  They are difficult to find.  When you go to a rehab. department, or a clinic you really don't know what the skill level is so most families just take whatever therapist is assigned.  The expert is a therapist with years of experience with aphasia, apraxia or dysarthria.   They may have presented at National conventions, written papers, and often have received advanced training.  They often are familiar with many ways to address speaking difficulties where in comparison the skilled practitioner may be just be a beginner or have limited interest or experience.  

Find Out Who and Where to Go For Help

The ability to speak is a priceless commodity.  It can make the difference between someone who is depressed and angry versus someone who is happy and loving.  There are very few talents that are as vital as talking and communicating.  People expect expert care to be inexpensive or free; often it is not.  But like anything else, some investments are well worth the money and often the value of speaking  improvement is worth much more.  

Decide to Invest in Speaking and Find The Best Therapist You Can

An expert therapist can make a profound difference in speaking recovery.  Make it a plan to invest in the ability to communicate with speaking if your loved one is capable and find the best therapist you can!  Ask around, especially from people who are very happy with their therapy and report significant improvement.  Then interview at least 3 therapists before making a choice.

Here is an icon below if you would like to learn how to help your loved one speak better at home.  Or, you can contact us today and find out how you can be personally mentored in speech therapy methods to help those with aphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria improve the ability to talk.  

Apraxia Speech Therapy: Speech Pathologist Mentors Can be Friends

Speech Pathologist Mentors can be Friends

 Friend and Mentor Armando Cruz

(A dog's friend also!)

This article addresses the fact that speech pathologist mentors can be friends even while doing apraxia speech therapy.  A few months ago an article about clients and patients of speech language pathologists, was written with the conclusion that many clients were considered “friends.” There was some flack from other speech language pathologists in the field, but it was soon quelled as the definition of what a friend was. As stated then, Webster defines a friend as a person whom you like and enjoy being with; a person who helps or supports someone or something; one attached to another by affection or esteem.

A Good Speech Language Pathologist Can Be Friend and Mentor

This article is different. Speech Pathology Mentors are those who communicate with you. They share information, they teach, advise, and express events of their lives that may help those with whom they speak. The Mentor I wish to write about today is a man of varied talents, and one who manages people. He is a physicist, salesman, corporate sales manager, husband, father, RVer, patron of the cinema, and just a friendly guy! He is very likable; even canines like him. He always has a pocket full of dog treats, even when he is wearing formal work attire!

Why should this article be about this mentor and fine human being? He is friendly, and always shares what he has: food he prepares, cigars and coctails occasionally consumed. He is always finding something that he thinks you would need or like when he goes shopping. Almost every time he visits, he comes bearing gifts for everyone; including (Jackie the dog). Quite a remarkable person, isn’t he? This person is always chuck full of information that he thinks might be beneficial for you, whether it is about finance, business, cooking, food, motorhomes (of which we have recently purchased), and the proper care and maintenance of them.

What is one of the most amazing things about having a Mentor and friend? The answer is that one’s life is greatly enriched by having a person such as Armando in your life. Learning occurs; communication is constant, and a truly meaningful relationship ensues. His excellent qualities just “rub off” on you. You also notice changes in the self, which include new beliefs, behaviors and attitudes that seem to have gotten in your head by osmosis.

What then happens other mentor-like relationships can develop. They develop because you have learned how valuable it is to have other people in your life. You soon develop new behaviors that are borrowed from others, like striking up conversations, and sharing what you have. What immediately happens is they find ways of sharing what they have with you, and the enrichment of your life and theirs increases. You find yourself changing and growing as a person, and stepping out of the old way of being.

Mentoring occurs in so many areas of life if you allow it. It first requires making a connection. A simple Hello will do! A simple comment about what you observe about others helps strike up the conversation. Many do not practice these little pointers, and life can be rather lonely and isolated. It does not have to be that way. I am speaking to those of us right now who are able to communicate, but choose not to when around others whom we do not know. Thank goodness for the internet for some who can not get out.

Those who have speaking difficulties tend to be isolated in the shadows, or what I have referred to as being in the closet of life. They need friends also. They need to speak with others and interact. For the verbal interaction in communication is one of the most treasured processes in living and can bring great joy. That is why The Teaching of Talking was written.   It is a book about how to help your loved one to speak in single words, phrases, and sentences, as long as they are stimulable. Stimulability is whether the person who has difficulty speaking can mimic or imitate vowels, words, phrases or sentences. Caregivers and family members are learning how to stimulate language at at home, and helping the person with difficulty speaking step away from the sheltered home environment of speaking to the external places in the community where they can communicate with others, whether cues are or are not needed.

Find a Speech Pathologist Who Can Be Friend and Mentor:  

Apraxia Speech Therapy

The point here is to take the step of communication interaction rather than not. People can be understanding and interactive when methods of speech and language stimulation are employed with the caregiver and person who has difficulty speaking.  Life can be so much better when a family member or caregiver learns how to stimulate language. When that occurs you are no longer dependent on outside sources, computers, or software to stimulate speech and language. You can do it anywhere, and you and your loved one can connect with others and say what you darn well please!  Contact a therapist to find out if you or a loved one could benefit from apraxia speech therapy mentoring.

Help Those with Apraxia Talk | The Tools of Matching and Mirroring

Helping Those With Apraxia Talk:  The Tools of Matching and Mirroring

Matching and Mirroring
in Speech Therapy

Many speech therapists of those with apraxia do not address the actual apraxia, especially the severe variety because it's just too complicated and will take a long time to correct. Apraxia is  difficulty articulating the speech sounds because the tongue, teeth, and lips do not always go where they are supposed to.  The person with apraxia attempts to speak and the tongue does not follow the message sent from the brain.  This causes garbled speech.   The speech sounds that make up the words are omitted, distorted or replaced by other sounds.  The result of apraxia is difficulty understanding what the person with apraxia is saying since the sounds are not correctly produced.

However there are some short cuts that can help a family member or therapist help the person with apraxia talk.  It is called matching and mirroring.  We all know what matching is:  we match or duplicate a movement; we watch how somethng is done and then we match it just like what we see.
Mirroring is a similar maneuver, it requires that a person be directly in front of you as if you are looking into a mirror and matching exactly the movements that are seen and at the same time.  Matching and mirroring often helps those with apraxia talk.


As an example for apraxia, imagine you were awakened in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and you tried to get out of bed, and could not stand, or walk.  Your legs didn't hold the body upright and they could not move forward or backward.  And the result?  A fall.  The legs just did not obey the brain.  That is an apraxia.  The motor for the specific task is out of commission for activities such as walking or speaking due to the messages to the muscles and speech structures being out of synch.

Finding the Best Use of Time and Energy

The therapist must find a viable speech therapy for apraxia that will immediately lead to speaking clarity.  One way he or she does that is not to focus on traditional articulation, since it could take literally years to address, and often it is as much fun as watching paint dry!

Oral Motor Exercises Not Necessary if Given Within the Context of The Conversation

• One approach to helping people talk who have apraxia is to make it simple.
• Start out stimulating 2 words per utterance in conversation
• Determine which speech sounds, especially the lingual or tongue sounds are affected.
• Within the simple conversation of 2-3 words stimulate each word separately and determine if the person with apraxia can lift the tongue tip of the t, d, n, l, l blends, or sibilant s, the s blends, and sh and dj.

Often the Creative Therapist Can Improve the Apraxia with very Slow Speaking and Mirroring at very simple words, word pairs and phrases

It's alot of fun helping the person with apraxia talk, especially if it is done within a conversational framework.  Caregivers, spouses and family members are learning this approach and finding that speech does not have to be broken down to oral motor exercises or formal articulation therapy.  It can be quite easy if those who learn apraxia speech therapy can learn from an expert and be given the opportunity to practice under expert guidance.  Find out how you can learn how to help your loved one or client with apraxia through matching, and mirroring.

If you want to help your loved one or client with apraxia you must receive expert mentoring in order to learn the most efficient way.  There is no 1 approach that's fits all.  The best way to determine an approach to apraxia is by utilizing a speech pathology expert who understands the best ways to help people talk.

You can contact us today and get started by contacting us.    There is no substitute other than working with an expert.  You will learn that to be very true.  It takes time and attention.

Contact us today and we will arrange for a free get acquainted visit.

Apraxia SpeechTherapy Techniques for Adults with Apraxia

 Do you have a dream, or a desire to learn speech therapy techniques for apraxia?  Have you been unhappy with the way therapy is given, or the limited amount of therapy?  Have you been told your loved one plateaued and then discharged?  Do you wish to find a way to learn speech therapy techniques for apraxia?

There were two brothers who had a dream. Everyone looked at them and thought they were crazy. "No one has ever done that before!" everyone said. 

You can learn apraxia speech therapy techniques
for adults with apraxia and aphasia

But the brothers had an idea and a dream of what they wanted for the world and for mankind. No matter where they went they were ostracized for believing what they did.

There are many people with apraxia and aphasia who have been told they would never talk again. Some believed the sentence, while others just kept looking elsewhere.

There always seems to be a solution to a problem somewhere for those who are ready for it and are dedicated to having it.

Those with apraxia and aphasia have a better chance of learning to talk again if their loved one or caregiver learns what to do at home and does it throughout the day. The results are far better than conventional speech therapy especially if the caregiver has been trained in expert methods and helps them talk throughout the day; every day. Find out how you can start learning techniques to help adults and children talk better with apraxia.  Get started today!

How to Find Best Speech Therapist who Treats Adult Apraxia

Find the Best Speech Therapist Who Treats Apraxia

Time is of the Essence

People want to know how to find the best apraxia speech therapist for their loved one with apraxia. Out of all the speech and language difficulties out there, apraxia speech therapy is one of the most difficult for the therapist to master. For many it has taken years of practice. Others never really master it.

Only when the therapist has been confronted by adults and children with apraxia and is forced to address their speaking difficulty, do they begin to understand how to improve it.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BEST APRAXIA SPEECH THERAPIST

For many, it is the experiences in life that give us the knowledge of knowing what to do in particular situations.  Therapists are often grateful to their patients for giving them the opportunities to practice therapy.  Through trial and error the therapist begins to learn what works and what does not.  Some therapists or patients may give up with the frustration of trial and error.  There are others who are empowered when the results are not forthcoming.  They learn something from the lack of results and then go back and try again using a different approach. 

TRIAL AND ERROR LEARNING

It's that trial and error learning that makes us all better at what we do.  It was said that Thomas Edison developed over 3,000 theories and experiments with the electric light that he wanted to perfect. Each time it failed, he learned something that would make the next attempt better.  The same principles apply in speech therapy for apraxia.  It's a tough nut to crack, and only the truly dedicated therapists are willing to stick around and figure it out.  However it takes a certain knowledge set, that some therapists have due to excellent training programs or their desire to independently read and study the problem.   There are others who do not have the patience and look for what appears to be the simplest communication solution. 

What Apraxia Is

Apraxia is a motor speech problem.  The motor that moves the tongue, lips, and palate does not work well.  Some believe there is a miscommunication or a breakdown that could be either temporary or permanent between the brain and the structure that needs to be moved.  Those with apraxia have difficulty moving their tongue, throat and lips. When they go to move them, the parts do not move the way they are directed.  Let's say I wanted you to raise your hand right now and I told you to do it.  Let's say you could not do it.  Then I might show you by lifting my arm and hand off my lap and lift them towards the sky. (test for limb apraxia)   Many with apraxia have extreme difficulty or can not initially move a structure when they are initially shown how. 

This is the problem those with apraxia, their therapists and caregivers face.  They are shown how to say a sound, and even when they are shown how, still can't do it.  When it happens over and over again, especially for a therapist who has little expertise with apraxia the first thought after numerous attempts is to give up and say "I've tried and we are going to have you use a talking machine or an AAC device.  (The path of least resistance.)  That usually leaves the patient and caregiver with frustration and defeat.  And anyway, who wants to use an i pads to say a word or "canned" phrase?  It's often confusing, sad, and devastating.

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE BEST APRAXIA SPEECH THERAPISTS

The good news is there are apraxia speech therapists who understand the condition of apraxia and have experience treating it.  There are some therapists who are experienced with apraxia, and know what to do.  It's often a matter of knowing or figuring it out.  Those who can't figure it out or don't want to reach for the AAC device or the i pad.  (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

Apps are another concern.  They don't think, or problem solve and many are developed by therapists who might not fully appreciate the many techniques which can be used to help those with apraxia speak.  There is not one way to work with apraxia, and it is a condition that often has other complicating symptoms, like dysarthria slurred speech, or aphasia. There is just no singular approach to apraxia and many people are incorrectly diagnosed.   

The Solution For Those Who Want To Speak Again

1.  Find an apraxia speech therapist who understand apraxia, especially from the viewpoint of articulation theory.

2.  Do not settle for alternative or augmentative approaches to speaking such as apps or technology unless you have exhausted your search for an expert apraxia speech therapist to make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.  

3.  Don't give up until you find the best apraxia speech therapist who can help you.  They may be difficult to find, but when you find the right one you will be glad you did.

Should you wish to speak with a therapist who understands apraxia and has years of experience contact us today.  E Mail Inquiries

talkwithmark1@gmail.com and we would be happy to correspond or talk with you.  teachingoftalking.com  

You can find out more about us by searching for teachingoftalking.com on Facebook, or markaittleman on Twitter.  

Apraxia Speech Therapy A Custom Approach to Better Speaking

Apraxia Speech Therapy
Requires a Customized Approach.

There is a special approach to better speaking for apraxia speech therapy.  It's also easier and simpler than the traditional approach which could take years and years to make any kind of significant improvement.

Many traditional methods for apraxia speech therapy are not successful.  Those with apraxia often have very complicated difficulties and have trouble moving their tongue, lips and throat to make accurate speech sounds.  Some therapists try traditional speech therapy for articulation, and that could take literally years.  Length of speech therapy skilled care has been dwindling and therefore the astute therapist must look at improving the clarity of speaking in a shorter period of time.  Therapists are looking for the
fastest way to make improvements in speaking.

Knowing that traditional speech therapy visits may be given over a relatively short period of time, we must realize that therapists just cannot make much progress when there are limited visits authorized  by the insurance companies.  That is why family members, spouses and loved ones are learning what to do for apraxia.

Apraxia Speech Therapy Methods Vary Greatly for Apraxia

Don't be fooled by software and companies that promise to help you speak better if you buy their software or apps.  Those materials can't really be of any significant help with a moderate to profound apraxia.  The diagnosis or label of apraxia does not mean that any specific method, sight unseen would be helpful to improve it.  In addition the diagnosis for apraxia is often made for a variety of symptoms and findings and does not often really describe the speaking problem or what to do in order to improve it.  

Apraxia Speech Therapy A Special Approach to Better Speaking

Since apraxia of speech is one of the most difficult speaking difficulties to overcome, the need for a speech therapist who is an expert in apraxia is necessary.  There is no one cure all method and therefore a therapist who has experience with apraxia can usually figure out the best approach.  Trust someone who has experience before you consider purchasing an app or software to guide you through steps to speaking improvement.  It just doesn't work that way.  Apps follow a single technique and a speaking difficulty like apraxia may need a variety of methods to best improve it.   

The Special Approach to Better Speaking for Apraxia?

Find a therapist who can teach you what to do at home; something that will be custom designed for the speech characteristics and difficulties of your loved one.  Locaste a therapist who is familiar with many approaches and that should speed up therapy time since they are experienced with apraxia and have often seen a great variety of cases.

The special approach to better speaking for apraxia is to find an expert to see your loved one and to teach you what to do at home for better speaking.  Would you like to talk with or be mentored by an experienced speech language pathologist?  Teaching of Talking

E Mail  Send us an e mail and that will start the process towards better speaking.  

Speech Therapy for Stroke : Myths and Truths

Speech therapy for stroke is no quick fix, and even with best methods, it often takes years to achieve successful speaking improvements.  Speech therapy for stroke is crucial for maximum speaking recovery.  Here are some of the myths and truths of speech therapy for stroke.

Speech Therapy for Stroke
Requires Talking

Speech Therapy for Stroke:  Myths and Truths

1.  Speech therapy for strokes Myth:  Twice or Three Times a Week is Intensive.

Speech therapy twice or three times a week for a moderate to profound aphasia is bare-minimum.  Due to forgetting, and severity of most aphasias, speech and language therapy should be something that is done all through the day, preferably by spouse of family members.  Research has shown that families at home can get equal if not better speech recovery than therapy in the clinic due to all the hundreds of opportunities to help someone speak at home 24/7.

2.  Speech Therapy for Strokes Myth:  Work Sheets Help You Talk Better

Do worksheets help?  Any stimulation helps.  However if you want to get better at speaking one must do a lot of speaking and with another person.  That is where talking takes place; through the questions, answers and requests that are made among and between people.

3.  Speech Therapy for Strokes Myth:  It's the Speech Therapist's Job 

Speech therapists are like any professional.  There are therapists, and then there are THERAPISTS!  Each one is a separate person with varying degrees of experience, education, motivation and drive.  Just because a person is a therapist does not necessarily mean they are well qualitfied to work with your loved one.  That is why you should ask about their training and expertise.  Usually the more training and experience the better the result.   Do not leave the total responsibility for helping your loved one talk up to someone else?  No one knows how long a therapist will be able to work with you, so learn all you can so that you can help your loved one speak at home.  It has been shown that people with strokes and aphasia who have been trained to help them talk, actually make pretty good progress especially when they get intensive help speaking at home!

4. Speech Therapy for Strokes Myth: If I Go to an Aphasia Intensive, Maybe My Loved One Will Recover His/Her Speaking.  

Many aphasia intensives that are offered in various cities around the country are sponsored by colleges and Universities.  Intensives may offer students at Universities training in stroke and aphasia therapy.   They are costly and require the person with aphasia and spouse to come to the city, pay the admission for the intensive in addition to the travel expenses, meals and hotel costs.  Some University Programs are research based and are often highly interested in research and student training.

Due to affected memory retention, an aphasia intensive whether university or private based may initialy show some positive results, however with time what was covered or taught there becomes forgotten.  Many intensive programs do not train the caregivers, since the students or the research may be higher priority.  Family members are often dissapointed there was not enough spouse and family training for stroke and aphasia.  There are some exceptions to what is typically experienced.

These are just a few of the Myths and Truths about speech therapy for stroke.  There is myth and truths in all statements.  Be on the lookout for additional information that will help you become a more educated consumer of speech therapy services.

5.  Speech Therapy for Stroke: Truths

The major truth to share with you is the fact that family members, caregivers and spouses can and are perfectly able to learn expert methods to help your loved one talk at home.  Those who truly succeed are devoting their lives to better speaking, and it takes at least two people to talk.  Talking requires the process of asking and answering questions and making statements.  There is no technology that even comes close to benefit of the actual act of talking with another person for speaking improvement.  

Would you like to get started today learning to help your loved one talk at home?  Are you and your loved one committed to making the improvement of talking top priority?  If so, start learning to help your loved one or client TALK.  Teaching of Talking Online Video Training  Start today!

Speech Coach for Professionals and Executives Mark Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP

Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman

Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman is dedicated to helping professionals and executives improve speaking skills.  The ability to speak and converse with others, and clearly articulate your personal message is a highly sought after skill in today's marketplace.

It's vital that speakers are understood the first time, without listener straining to understand the message.

Often listeners and audiences have difficulty understanding a message due to very rapid speaking, a soft voice, hesitancies, or presenting with annoying speaking behaviors.

Listeners do not want to strain to try and understand what is being said.  It's critical that your message is loud enough with optimum speed and emphasis so that your listener will be engaged and then will walk away having understood your message and what you wished to convey.

Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman offers executive coaching in the following speaking concerns:

• Speaking Presentation Skills
• Voice and diction
• Establishing your own "unique style" of speaking
• Articulation of speech
• Addressing speaking dialects
• Being totally understood by the listener
• Speaking rate-speed
• Vocal Emphasis
• Establishing yourself as a well sought after speaker
• Content development of presentations

Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman will share key elements that contribute to exceptional speaking skills.  Each month you will receive the blog from the Speech Coach for Professionals and Executives in addition to offers to help you personally through our online video coaching program where you can receive individual coaching that addresses your specific speaking concerns.

Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman has 44 years of experience helping people improve their ability to speak.  He works with those who have medical speaking difficulties as well as professionals and executives who wish to become clear, articulate speakers who can move audiences in the corporate and marketing arenas.  Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman is certified as a speech language pathologist and certified by the American Speech Language and Hearing Associations and holds professional licenses within the USA.  Speech Coach for Professionals Mark Ittleman also works with international patients and executives.  Call today to set up your free video conference consultation at 832-233-2601.

Speech Training Coach:| Speaking Therapy

Mark Ittleman Speech Training Coach

Teaching of Talking Tip for Better Speaking:

I got a Life Story from a Simple Question or Two

It was a busy month, and we have been traveling through Nevada, Arizona, California, San Francisco, and tomorrow we leave for Sonoma; the wine country to see this beautiful country.  Malka and I have loved visiting with Teaching of Talking Friends, and meeting with aphasia groups. 

 We are now headed North and will be presenting in Portland and throughout Oregon and into Washington State.  So if you would like to meet up, or have a presentation at your stroke club or University, please let us know.

 Mark Ittleman Speech Training Coach

This morning I was walking out of the shower room at San Francisco RV Park. In walked a gentleman who greeted me with “Good Morning.”

He told me they were “packing it up” and heading back South.
I asked where, and he told me Southern California and contributed they had been in Oregon last week, and that he absolutely loved it there! He asked where I was from. I told him Houston, and we remarked about the crowding and traffic.  I asked where in Oregon they had visited, and he told me the name of the town and how his best friend for many years lived there and they went to visit. 

Following that he told me that they had planned on moving there years ago, but at the last minute his wife decided no. Their children were there and she did not want to move far from them.

Almost a life story, just by asking one or two simple questions. The same concept applies to helping those who have speaking difficulties talk again. Ask simple questions, and converse at their level of difficulty; one word, phrases or sentences.

 It is about the interaction, not the mindless practicing of unrelated words or phrases that really makes the difference in attention, speaking improvement and carry over of automatic speech.  

 Mark Ittleman Speech Training Coach

Mark Ittleman Speech Training Coach has 44 years of experience helping people improve their ability to speak.  He works with those who have medical speaking difficulties as well as professionals and executives who wish to become clear, articulate speakers who can move audiences in the corporate and marketing arenas.  Mark Ittleman Speech Training Coach is certified as a speech language pathologist and certified by the American Speech Language and Hearing Associations and holds professional licenses within the USA.  Mark Ittleman Speech Training Coach also works with international patients and executives.  Call today to set up your free video conference consultation at 832-233-2601.