The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out that cerebral palsy occurs in one in 303 children. Patients with cerebral palsy have problems with movement and neurological functions. The disorder results from damage to the brain, which can occur before birth or in the first two years of life. MedlinePlus explains that some cerebral palsy patients may have communication problems, like dysarthria, a motor speech disorder. Dysarthria can affect speech clarity and production, which can influence communication abilities.
Speech Speed
Cerebral palsy patients may have abnormal speech rates, which can affect their communication skills. For example, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association notes that some patients may speak rapidly, though they tend to mumble when speaking this quickly. Other patients may have a slow rate of speech in which they elongate the sounds of the words and the space in between each word.
Speech Volume
Patients can have problems with the volume of their voices when speaking. MayoClinic.com points out that some cerebral palsy patients may speak just louder than a whisper. The whisper-like speaking can make it difficult for other people to understand these patients. Other patients may have an uneven volume of speech in which their voice goes from loud to soft when speaking.
Speech That is Difficult to Understand
Cerebral palsy patients with dysarthria can have problems producing clear speech and may slur words. MayoClinic.com notes that patients may have raspy or strained voices. Some patients may instead have nasal voices that make it sound like they are congested. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association adds that other patients may have hoarse voices.
Abnormal Speech Rhythm
When speaking, patients can have abnormal speech rhythms, says MayoClinic.com. For example, patients may speak in a sing-song voice. Other patients may speak in a monotone voice in which they use the same intonation for every word. The monotone speech can sound robotic.
Poor Motor Control
Cerebral palsy patients may have problems controlling the muscles around the mouth, which can contribute to communication difficulties. For example, the American Speech-Language-Hearing notes that patients can have limited tongue movement, which can affect speech production. The jaw and lip muscles can also become affected. The muscular problems in the mouth can lead to drooling.
