Speech disorder in an adult is marked by his inability to produce speech sounds and words correctly and fluently. There is also a noticeable but perhaps an inexplicable problem in his/her voice as well. He finds it hard to pronounce certain or most sounds and also has difficulty in articulating.

When an adult is suffering from speech disorder you will find him having issues with receptive language that is, he is not really able to understand what others are saying. As a result their expressive language also suffers. They are unable to express and share their feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Eventually you notice a language disorder which is a natural follow through. Although there are explained reasons behind speech disorder in adults, the problem can be unexplained in some cases too.

It is important to note that speech disorder can be overcome with intensive speech therapy and a fluent communication is always possible. Most disorders can be diagnosed through some physical tests and perhaps a hearing test can be required. Consulting with a doctor is very important to alleviate this problem as retreating into a shell is no viable solution when the fact is the problem can be easily rectified. So arrange for a date with a speech language pathologist to sort it out.

Visit a Speech Language Pathologist

A speech language pathologist is perfectly equipped to identify the speech disorder through intense observation. It is the type of the problem that needs to be first identified. There can be several like:

• Stuttering


• Fluency of speech being hampered


• Articulation issues


• Lack of coordination in the motor skills

Once the problem is identified, it needs to be seen when the problem surfaces that is, under what conditions or environment, whether anything triggers it off or it is has a certain pattern.

While dealing with adult speech disorder, the speech language pathologist records the patient’s speech in a video-tape or an audio-recorder. They study the recording in detail and can even resort to some computerized analysis program if the need arises. After the results are gathered and the observations, the therapist charts out a definite treatment plan according to the respective adult’s problems and needs. The age of the person and the type of disorder are major determining factors here.

What are the Possible Reasons for Speech Disorder in Adults?

• Cerebral palsy


• Cleft palate


• Ankyloglossia or feeling tongue-tied


• Any type of cranio-facial abnormality


• Down syndrome


• Paediatric stroke


• Any variant of traumatic brain injury

There can be other unexplained reasons as well.

It is a very sensitive condition for an adult suffering from speech disorder. It is extremely frustrating for them because when they are speaking they often find that people around them come up to finish their sentences or fill in words in their speeches. This negatively affects their confidence that they utterly dislike it. They also feel that people are treating them like stupid or the listener ends up advising him to ‘take it easy’ or ‘slow down dear’. An adult will never like being underestimated. This is why it is often observed that adults with speech disorders retreat into a shell and become an acute introvert and eventually the situation affects the psychological equilibrium. Therefore it is always advisable to seek expert help the moment you notice that you are not able to maintain o control your speech. After all you have every right to be heard.