We provide speech therapy online for children, adolescents and adults with multiple sclerosis.
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 multiple sclerosis?
Speech therapy can provide significant benefits to individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who may experience communication and swallowing difficulties related to the condition. Here are some key ways speech therapy can help:
1. **Improved Communication Skills**: MS can lead to problems with speech clarity and language, including slurred speech (dysarthria) and difficulty finding words (aphasia). Speech therapists can work with patients to practice articulation, pacing, and other techniques to enhance their verbal communication.
2. **Swallowing Therapy**: Many people with MS may experience dysphagia, which makes swallowing difficult. Speech therapists are trained to assess swallowing and can provide specific exercises and strategies to improve safety and efficiency while eating and drinking.
3. **Cognitive-Linguistic Therapy**: Some individuals with MS may encounter cognitive challenges, such as problems with memory, attention, and processing speed. Speech therapists can offer cognitive-linguistic therapy to help individuals develop strategies to improve these skills.
4. **Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)**: For those with severe speech difficulties, therapists can introduce AAC devices or strategies (such as communication boards or digital applications) that can help individuals express themselves more effectively.
5. **Self-Advocacy and Education**: Speech therapists can empower patients by educating them about their communication and swallowing challenges, providing them with tools and strategies to advocate for themselves, both in daily interactions and in medical settings.
6. **Reduction of Anxiety and Enhancement of Quality of Life**: Effective communication can significantly reduce feelings of frustration and anxiety associated with misunderstandings. By improving communication skills, speech therapy can contribute to a higher quality of life and greater social interaction.
7. **Personalized Therapy**: Speech therapy programs can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, taking into account their specific challenges and goals, which can be especially important given the variable nature of MS.
Overall, speech therapy offers a comprehensive approach to address the communication and swallowing difficulties that may arise from multiple sclerosis, ultimately helping individuals maintain their independence and engage more fully in their daily lives.
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 multiple sclerosis. 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 multiple sclerosis 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.