We provide speech therapy online for children, adolescents and adults with muscular dystrophy.
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 muscular dystrophy?
Speech therapy can offer significant benefits to individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD) in several ways, primarily targeting communication and swallowing issues that can arise as the condition progresses. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. **Improving Communication Skills**: As muscular dystrophy can affect the muscles used for speech, speech therapy can help improve articulation, voice quality, and overall communication skills. Therapists may use exercises to strengthen the speech muscles and techniques to optimize breath support.
2. **Alternative Communication Methods**: For individuals who may have severe speech difficulties, speech therapists can introduce alternative communication methods, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. These tools can help individuals express themselves effectively.
3. **Swallowing Therapy**: Many individuals with MD experience dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). Speech therapists are trained to evaluate swallowing function and can provide strategies and techniques to make swallowing safer and more efficient. This includes dietary modifications and specific swallowing exercises.
4. **Education and Training**: Speech therapists can educate patients and their families about the nature of the speech and swallowing challenges associated with muscular dystrophy. They can provide training for caregivers on how to support communication and assist with feeding techniques.
5. **Maintaining Function**: Regular therapy can help maintain the function of speech and swallowing for as long as possible, delaying the progression of difficulties. It can also foster greater independence and enhance the quality of life for those affected by MD.
6. **Emotional and Psychological Support**: Communication is key to social interaction and emotional well-being. By enhancing communication abilities, speech therapy can help reduce feelings of isolation and frustration, improving overall mental health.
7. **Interdisciplinary Approach**: Speech therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals (such as occupational and physical therapists, neurologists, and nutritionists) to provide comprehensive care that addresses the complex needs of individuals with muscular dystrophy.
Overall, speech therapy plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with muscular dystrophy, helping them to communicate their needs, maintain safe swallowing, and improve their quality of life.
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 muscular dystrophy. 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 muscular dystrophy 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.