Simple At-Home Activities for Dysarthria
When a loved one has dysarthria, everyday communication can feel frustrating for both the speaker and the listener. Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that can affect the strength, speed, and coordination of the muscles used for talking. While working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is key, there are simple, meaningful ways to support progress right at home.
Whether your loved one is recovering from a stroke, managing a progressive condition, or was born with a neurological disorder, these home activities can help make speech clearer and more functional. The goal isn’t perfection! Instead, the goal is connection and progress.
Here are four practical and compassionate ways to help speech become stronger and more understood at home:
Clear Speech Reading Practice
Why it helps: Supports voice projection, articulation, and breath control.
How to do it: Choose a short, meaningful reading passage - this could be a news article, a favorite book, poetry, or even something practical like a recipe or letter. Encourage your loved one to read it aloud slowly, using a strong, steady voice and clear enunciation.
Bonus tip: Focus on one goal at a time. Your loved one’s goals may include increasing volume, slowing down, or exaggerating consonants. Record a short clip on your phone and play it back together to track progress and boost confidence.
Mirror Practice for Speech Awareness
Why it helps: Encourages self-monitoring and improves muscle coordination for clearer speech.
How to do it: Have your loved one sit comfortably in front of a mirror. Practice saying target words, phrases, or even just individual sounds while watching how the mouth moves. Focus on opening the mouth fully, using steady breath support, and clearly shaping each sound.
What to look for: Are lips coming together for “p” and “b” sounds? Is the tongue visible for “th” or “l”? Mirror practice helps increase awareness of the movements needed for clearer articulation. It can also build confidence as they see their progress over time.
Favorite Phrase Practice
Why it helps: Supports functional communication and speech clarity for real-life use.
How to do it: Write down 5–10 phrases your loved one uses often (like “I’m thirsty,” “Turn up the TV,” or “I love you”). Practice saying each one clearly and slowly, focusing on one phrase at a time.
Make it real: Role play situations where the phrase would be used. This could be at mealtimes, while watching a show, game nights, or during family chats.
Pacing with a Metronome or App
Why it helps: Improves speech rhythm, pacing, and breath control.
How to do it: Use a free metronome app or a metronome website to set a slow, steady beat (start around 60–70 beats per minute). Have your loved one speak one syllable per beat, using simple phrases or short sentences like “I need help” or “It’s time to eat.” The consistent rhythm encourages even pacing and clearer speech production.
Make it functional: Practice phrases your loved one commonly uses in daily routines, such as ordering food, answering the phone, or asking for assistance. Adjust the speed as they gain confidence.
Remember, progress takes time, and every attempt at communication, no matter how small, is something to celebrate. If your loved one gets frustrated, take a break and come back to it later. Encouragement, consistency, and a little creativity can go a long way.
And of course, always check in with your SLP for personalized recommendations tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. You’re not in this alone! Every effort you make helps communication become a little bit easier for your loved one.