There are different forms and degrees of speech and language disorder.
There may be an inability to control the tongue, lips or throat (dysarthria) or a
difficulty in recognising words, finding the right word or putting words in order
(dysphasia) in which case reading and writing will also be affected. Sometimes
these problems occur together. Often people who have lost the ability to speak
can still understand what others are saying. They should never be treated as if
they are stupid or deaf. A speech therapist will identify individual problems and
will give advice on how to overcome them. The doctor should be able to make a
referral for speech therapy at a local hospital.
Volunteer Stroke Schemes have been set up in many parts of the country to
help people with speech and language problems. A small team of volunteers visit
people in their homes on a regular basis, there is a weekly club meeting with
transport provided and various social events. The scheme is sponsored by the
Chest, Heart and Stroke Association and organised by Valerie Eaton Griffith,
St. Martins, Grimm’s Hill, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 9BG.
“A Time to Speak” by V. Eaton Griffith, P. Oetliker and P. Oswin gives
ideas for helping people with speech problems at home and in groups. It is
available from the CHSA.