We provide speech therapy online for children, adolescents and adults with functional neurological disorder.
We are a registered NDIS provider and use an inclusive approach to therapy, where the person can be in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
How can speech therapy benefit people with functional neurological disorder?
Speech therapy can be beneficial for individuals with functional neurological disorder (FND) in several ways, as FND can impact various aspects of communication and related functions. Here are some specific benefits:
1. **Improving Communication Skills**: Many individuals with FND experience difficulties with speech and language, leading to challenges in expressing themselves. Speech therapy can help in enhancing these communication skills, making it easier for individuals to articulate their thoughts and feelings.
2. **Addressing Speech Dysfluencies**: Some patients may present with issues such as stuttering or other speech dysfluencies. Speech therapists can provide strategies and exercises to manage these challenges.
3. **Cognitive-Communication Therapy**: FND can impact cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, which are essential for effective communication. Speech therapy can work on these cognitive-communication aspects, helping individuals express themselves more clearly and effectively.
4. **Physical Speech Issues**: Individuals with FND may experience physical symptoms such as dysphonia (problems with voice quality) or slurred speech. Speech therapists can provide targeted exercises to strengthen the vocal apparatus and improve clarity.
5. **Education and Awareness**: Speech therapists can educate patients and their families about FND, helping them understand how symptoms may manifest and improve. This can reduce stigma and promote a supportive environment.
6. **Functional Goals**: Therapy can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual, with functional goals that improve daily functioning, such as speaking in social situations or during work.
7. **Stress and Anxiety Management**: Many patients with FND may experience anxiety or stress related to their symptoms. Speech therapy can incorporate techniques to manage anxiety, such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices, which can indirectly improve communication.
8. **Collaboration with Other Professionals**: Speech therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include neurologists, psychologists, and other therapists. This collaborative approach can ensure comprehensive care that addresses various aspects of the disorder.
9. **Empowerment and Self-Esteem**: By improving communication abilities, speech therapy can enhance a person’s confidence and self-esteem, which may be affected by difficulties in speaking and interacting with others.
Overall, speech therapy provides personalized support that is essential for enhancing communication abilities and coping with the social and emotional challenges associated with functional neurological disorder.
Services for children, adolescents and adults
We have speech therapists who work with children, adolescents and adults, and we have therapists who have experience with functional neurological disorder. Read more about our therapists here.
NDIS registered provider
We are a registered NDIS provider and work with self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed clients.
If your are an NDIS provider or support coordinator we can provide reliable speech therapy for clients with functional neurological disorder in any location. Refer a client and we’ll connect you to the right clinician.
Is online speech therapy effective?
Yes! A growing body of evidence shows that online delivery of therapy can be as effective as face to face. Online therapy has many other benefits too, including being convenient and accessible for people in regional and rural areas.
How does online speech therapy work?
At Umbo online therapy is not just zoom plus business-as-usual. It’s much more diverse than simply videoconferencing. Umbo therapists provide an individualised approach to each person, using the latest evidence, and a variety of technologies and engagement techniques.
Umbo champions person-centred therapy. It means the person and their family/support people leads the conversation. We believe that the most effective therapy occurs when support is given in the environment where the person lives, learns, works or plays. Therefore we work with the family, and teach skills to you or to other supporters. This means you’re achieving real-life goals, rather than just achieving goals in a clinic.
We are a certified social enterprise helping Australian families access allied health services.