Speech is the main mode of communication in humans. It is a part of normal growth and development of human beings. It is the mode of expressing our thoughts, feelings, etc.

Speech impairment mainly includes articulation, fluency and voice disorder problems.

Fluency is a part of proper speech. But in speech disorders there can be great dis-fluencies where there is repetition of words like in stuttering. Stuttering or Stammering is the most common dis-fluency. Although it is common in young children, persistence of significant stammering even after 4 years of age is worrying.

Also speech disorder can be because of articulation problems like denture misalignment, cleft palate, poor muscle coordination as in cerebral palsy or in brain injury. Speech is distorted here making it hard for listeners to understand in speech disorder.

Also there could be voice disorders where there is obstruction in the airways like vocal cord tumors, enlarged adenoids etc. Even things like voice overuse, screaming, singing, acid reflux moving up, nerve damage, vocal cord tumors etc can cause voice disorders. Voice is hoarse, breaking, raspy, pitch and volume is altered, nasal tones etc are there in voice disorder.

Speech production also includes process like Phonation (a process, where voice produces as air in lung, moves up and vibrates the vocal cords) and Resonance (this air now passes through throat, nose and mouth). Problems in Phonation and Resonance process leads to voice disorders. This includes altered voice quality, pitch, hyper or hypo nasal tone.

Hearing impairment is one of the important reasons of speech disorder, hence checking for the same is crucial to determine the cause and treatment of Speech Disorder.

Speech Disorder can affect anyone including children. Many people may face problem in correctly producing sound of speech or may face problem in their voice; which is known as speech disorder. This is a condition and not a disease.

Speech disorder is often misdiagnosed as Language disorder which includes problem in understanding words, expressing feeling via words, being able to use them, etc. In Language disorder the ability to understand and use the words in relevant context is impaired. Language focuses on meaning and not in sounds. Both Speech Disorder and Language Disorder constitute Communication Disorder. Speech and learning problems may be an early sign that child can have Learning Disability in future.

The good news is that Homeopathy has excellent success rate in the treatment of SPEECH DISORDER.

• Affected infant does not babble or coo as normal infants do
• Delayed language development
• Difficulty in producing sound is peculiar features in symptoms of speech disorders.
• Inconsistent sound error in pronunciation, tone and rhythm of sound
• Slow speech is one of the chief symptoms of speech disorders.
• Patient may desire to say something but speak out something else
• Extreme frustration due to improper speech
• Patient may speak correctly the words which are automatic and not planned by him, but makes mistake in planned speech
• In severe case total loss of speech
• Can understand language but difficulty in talking
• Listeners find it difficult to understand what affected person is trying to speak

Stuttering-

• Difficulty in starting words (mmmmmm.......Mummy)
• Symptoms include repetition of words, sounds or letters (I..I..I...am.......Joooooohn)
• Sudden block of speech for few seconds when patient tries to say something (.....wwwwwww.....where are you?)
• Person may sound tense, out of breath while conversation since stammering takes lot of energy is main feature in symptoms of speech disorders.
• Completes word with much effort
• Head jerking while speaking, rapid blinking, tapping of foot, trembling lips, tightening facial & neck muscles
• Difficulty in completing the words, make them long (fooooood), repeats the words (I.. I.. want... want fooood), put extra sound (I umm. Umm. Want food), distorted sound, pauses while talking etc.
• There could be great frustration, embarrassment, low self confidence due to this.

Exact causes of speech disorders are not known but some factors are linked with Speech Disorders.

• Hearing loss - Impaired hearing is a very common cause of Speech Disorders.
• Heredity - Family heredity may be responsible for Speech Disorder. Heredity may also determine size of child's mouth, jaw; teeth arrangement; strength of facial muscles which plays a role in proper speech. Also there could be a strong family inheritance in stuttering. This is one of the important causes of speech disorders.
• Neurological Disorder - Progressive neurological disorder can cause speech disorders. Conditions like brain tumour, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease and dementia etc may also cause speech disorder.
• Oro facial myo-functional disorders - This disorder causes speech disorder by exaggerated forward movement of tongue during speech or swallowing. This is normal in infancy but improves as we grow up. But if it fails to improve it can lead to speech disorders. This is one of the chief causes of speech disorders.
• Medical Condition- Enlarged adenoids or tonsils can also block the airways leading to forward protrusion of the tongue. Also damage to vocal cord, polyps, nodules, vocal cord paralysis, oral cancer, laryngeal carcinomas may cause Speech Disorders. These are leading causes of speech disorders.
• Brain injury- Stroke can result in apraxia of speech
• Poor intellect- It can also result in speech disorders.
• Physical or structural impairment- Structural impairments like cleft lips, cleft palate, tongue deformities, dental deformities can also cause speech disorders.

There are many complications in unmanaged cases.

• Psychological impact- Person affected with speech disorders face severe embarrassment, teasing, bullying at school, family and workplace leading to poor confidence and lack of self esteem. This affects normal psychological well being and overall development of child.
• Anxiety Disorders- Speech Disorders may result in serious anxiety disorders like phobia of public speaking etc.
• Learning Disorder- Since speech is necessary for communication it can lead to learning disorders affecting career, future and relationships.

• Homeopathy is very proficient in managing the symptoms of SPEECH DISORDERS and has an excellent success rate in homeopathic treatment for speech disorders.
• Homeopathic medicines consider on total constitution of patient, acts on both mind and body. Homeopathy also helps in controlling anxiety, fear of public speaking, phobias, depression, etc along with speech disorders.
• Homeopathic treatment for speech disorders helps in building confidence in persons who stammers making speech easy for them.
• With effective homeopathic treatment, you will notice concrete changes in not only speech but in personality of affected person also. Homeopathic medicines are harmless, safe, non addictive and side effect free.
• Moreover, it also helps in preventing the relapse of the condition. Homeopathic treatment for speech disorders provides complete holistic wellbeing to the patient by boosting the immune system and assisting recovery in the safest and most natural way.

It is, however, worthwhile to remember that self-medication is not recommended. Consult one of our Experts Now for freedom from SPEECH DISORDERS for yourself or your loved one!

Dos

• Practice of speech at home is very important to improve speech.
• Family and friends supports are important to motivate patient and to give honest feedback for further improvement.
• Be patient. Speech cannot be improved overnight. Treatment needs your time and full dedication.
• Treat conditions like enlarged adenoids, tonsils which can block airways and may cause speech disorder.
• Be patient if you stutter. Speak slowly avoid rushing with time. Pause and speak. Take deep breath and then speak.
• Try to practice speech in alone to relax and improve fluency.
• If there is problem of stuttering in small children; be patient let your child be relaxed and take time to speak. Do not pinpoint on their speech.
• Be positive and stop worrying while speaking. Use body language as an important feature while talking if you stammer. This will make your communication easier.
• Focus on the content of speech rather than how you deliver it.

Don'ts

• Avoid activities like excessive thumb sucking, lip picking, mouth breathing, grinding, teeth clenching in children to avoid loss of oral muscle strength which can cause Speech Disorders.
• If you are listening to anyone who has stammering problems, do not try to interrupt them, fill their words, or avoid them. This will lower their self confidence and will aggravate their condition. Do not be impatient with them.
• Never criticise the person for their speech problems.
• Never be impatient. Treatment of speech disorder requires time and patience.
• Do not pay much attention to stuttering while speaking; more you try to stop it, worse it becomes.

Food plays an important role in development of human beings. Following food may be of help-

• Omega-3 fatty acids- Deficiency in proper intake of omega- 3 fatty acids may lead to speech development delay in children. It can also affect speech quality. Include fish like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, tofu etc for ample supply of omega -3 fatty acids.
• Vitamin D- It is important for brain development in foetus. Hence during pregnancy consume more of fish, eggs, liver etc. Expose to early morning sunshine.
• Folic Acid- Foods rich in folic acid or Vitamin B9 helps in prevention of nerve defects. Include leafy dark green vegetables and food fortified with folic acids like breads, wheat flour in your diet.
• Vitamin E- This acts as antioxidants and kills free radicals which can damage our nerves resulting in speech problems. Include more fruits, vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc in diet.
• Include food containing zinc, phosphorus, magnesium in diet for better overall development of child. Include dairy foods, fish, rice, nuts, chocolates, spinach, tomatoes, ginger, cumin, cloves, eggs, beans, peas, yogurt etc.
• Avoid foods that cause allergies to you since allergic reactions are an important cause of hearing loss which can simultaneously contribute to speech disorders.
• Avoid food preservatives, canned foods, additives in artificial foods, glutamates, excess coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol during pregnancy.