Speech pathology for neurological conditions
Our qualified Speech Pathologists can help adults with neurological conditions with the assessment, diagnosis and management of swallowing and communication difficulties.
Speech pathology for neurological conditions
The MSWA Speech Pathology team works with adults living with all neurological conditions, providing support to those who have difficulties with speech, language, literacy, voice, fluency and swallowing, to improve their quality of life and work on their personal goals.
In the same way that physical activities such as walking may be affected by a neurological condition, activities such as eating, drinking, and talking may also be affected and can impact a person's quality of life.
All of MSWA Speech Pathologists are certified practicing speech pathologists and are members of Speech Pathology Australia.
How can a speech pathologist help with a neurological condition?
Speech therapy can have a big impact in the lives of people living with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, Huntington's disease, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, and acquired brain injuries (to name a few).
At MSWA, the Speech Pathology team focuses on helping our Clients stay connected and be safe by:
- Regaining or improving communication
- Regaining or improving swallowing abilities
Support is tailored to everyone's needs. Depending on your goals, MSWA Speech Pathologists might focus on strengthening muscles used for speaking and swallowing, explore alternative ways to communicate when speech becomes difficult, or teach strategies to make conversations more comfortable.
Living with a neurological condition can lead to changes in communication skills, causing difficulties such as slurred speech, difficulty finding words, and impaired voice control.
The team of Perth-based Speech Pathologists at MSWA works together with Clients to minimise the impact of communication difficulties in daily life and relationships. We can help you strengthen muscle used for speaking, and help you explore alternative ways to stay connected.
MSWA Speech Pathology services for neurological conditions
Explore the list of services below, or contact us to enquire about MSWA Speech Therapy services.
Communication difficulties
Individual assessment and management of communication difficulties
MSWA Speech Pathologists work together with Clients to minimise the impacts of communication difficulties in daily life. Communication difficulties include aphasia (language impairment), dysarthria (speech difficulty), and dysphonia (voice impairment).
Following an individual assessment, the MSWA team can guide Clients in effective management strategies to enhance speech and language abilities using a variety of therapies. The therapies include articulation and cognitive exercises, language drills, and more.
Support with communication technologies
Our team can advise, prescribe and provide support with AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) technologies, including simple communication boards, apps, tablet technologies, eye gaze devices and more.
Voice therapy
MSWA Speech Pathology team has completed additional training in Lee Silverman Voice therapy (LSVT) which is used for those who experience voice changes, often due to Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions.
Advocacy
If you’re experiencing a communication disorder, our speech pathologist can advocate for your rights and needs within the NDIS framework and other funding frameworks.
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Individual assessment and management of swallowing difficulties
MSWA delivers evidence-based assessment, support strategies and interventions to help manage or improve our Clients’ swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). We work closely with Clients and their carers to develop tailored and individualised treatment, suited to our Client needs, wants and preferences.
Support with modified diets and fluids
In collaboration with MSWA dietitians, we can support clients with mealtime difficulties and recommend safe and enjoyable meals.
Increase socialisation during mealtimes
Our team of speech pathologists will help improve your social participation and interactions in community activities and empower our Clients’ independence during mealtimes.
Dysphagia Training
Our Dysphagia Training programs are designed for disability and aged care support workers to develop their knowledge and confidence to assist people with neurological conditions with their specific eating, drinking and swallowing needs. MSWA Dysphagia Training is in line with the NDIS Practice Standards.
Who we support
The MSWA Speech Pathology team supports adults in Perth and Western Australia living with a diagnosed neurological condition, including:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor neurone disease
- Acquired brain injury
This list is not exhaustive. You can find a comprehensive list of conditions here. If your neurological condition is not listing, please contact us on 08 9365 4888 or complete the form below.
Our neuro speech pathology services are based in the MSWA Wilson Service Centre, and telehealth is available to Clients in regional Western Australia.
Frequently asked questions
General neuro speech pathology FAQs
How does MSWA’s speech pathology appointments work?
Services delivery is available in-home, at MSWA Services Centre and facilities, or via telehealth. If you would like further information, please contact us on 08 9365 4888 or complete the form below
Do you support people with dysphagia?
Yes, MSWA Speech Pathologists support Clients to maintain a safe enjoyable mealtime. We work with a multidisciplinary team, including the Client, their family, OT's, dietitians, nursing, care support workers to create mealtime supports, to support your wellbeing. We also can provide you with swallowing therapy, to maintain and improve your swallow.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It is when a person uses something other than speech to communicate and can either be low-tech such as communication boards and cards or high tech, such as touchscreen tablet with a screen to text app or eye gaze devices
Do you support Clients with AAC?
Yes, MSWA support Clients with AAC. We have several communication devices donated to MSWA that can be loaned to you for trials, such Neuronode Trilogy by Control Bionics, TD pilot and others
Is NADIIA (previous known as NARNIA) useful for people with aphasia?
Yes, NADIIA Therapy (Narrative and Discourse Intervention in Aphasia) is a a multi-level approach used by speech pathologists to help people with language impairment - often following a stroke or progression of other neurological conditions - improve their ability to communicate.
Can you provide training to support workers?
Yes. We can provide individualised training for your team of support workers to help improve your communication, mealtime difficulties, oral health and other needs.
NDIS for speech pathology and other funding
How do I pay for MSWA’s speech pathology service?
There are several ways to pay for MSWA’s Speech Pathology services, including NDIS Funding, Support at Home (formerly HCP), Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP), private health insurance or paying privately. We can help you work out the most suitable payment method when you book your appointment.
To find out more information about funding, visit Funding Options.
Are MSWA speech therapists registered with the NDIS?
Yes, all MSWA Allied Health staff including our Speech Therapists are registered under NDIS as a service provider.
Do you provide in-person and telehealth options for NDIS speech therapy?
MSWA neuro speech pathology services are based in the MSWA Wilson Services Centre, and telehealth is available to Clients in regional Western Australia.
Can I use NDIS funding to pay for speech therapy?
Yes, you can. There are several ways to pay for MSWA’s Speech Pathology services, including NDIS Funding, Support at Home (formerly HCP), Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP), private health insurance or paying privately. We can help you work out the most suitable payment method when you book your appointment.
Articles and resource you might find useful
Read more about MSWA’s speech pathology services and how it can help improve the health and wellbeing of those with neurological conditions.
