Building Pathways to Better Voices: Intensive Voice Therapy and Neuroplasticity in Children’s Speech
As speech-language pathologists (SLPs), we work with children who face challenges with speech production. These difficulties, broadly termed motor speech disorders, can make it hard for children to coordinate the precise movements needed for clear communication. One common type of motor speech disorder is dysarthria, which is often associated with conditions like cerebral palsy (CP).
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In a world flooded with online workout videos, finding a truly effective and engaging virtual exercise program can feel overwhelming—especially for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Enter LSVT for LIFE®, a virtual fitness platform that sets itself apart by offering expert-led, interactive sessions designed specifically for LSVT LOUD® and LSVT BIG® graduates.
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In the world of Parkinson’s care, LSVT LOUD® stands as a beacon of hope—a speech therapy protocol that empowers individuals to reclaim their voices. By training people with Parkinson’s to speak louder than feels natural, this evidence-based program helps recalibrate vocal intensity to normal levels. The mantra “Think LOUD” isn’t just about volume; it rewires the brain, sharpens speech clarity, and even revitalizes facial expressions through neuroplasticity.
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We are thriled to spotlight Michelle Haub this National Speech Language Hearing Month. Michelle’s accomplishments for the Parkinson’s community speak for themselves. As a person, Michelle is energetic, caring, creative, deeply dedicated, and passionate about her work. She is driven by service and the desire to improve the lives of people living with communication disorders.
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People with Parkinson’s Disease often have trouble swallowing and speaking. This can lead to serious problems like choking, chest infections or not getting enough nutrition as well as occupational and social impacts. This study shows that both LSVT LOUD and EMST are safe and manageable for people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease. This study also shows that both LSVT LOUD and EMST can help swallowing, voice and cough, but in different ways. So, people with Parkinson’s disease and their clinicians can choose the right therapy for their needs or use both complimentarily.
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May marks Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to recognize the transformative power of communication and the professionals who make it accessible for all. This year, LSVT Global is proud to spotlight our team’s pivotal involvement in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Speech Accessibility Project–a groundbreaking initiative that is changing the landscape of speech technology for individuals with disordered speech.
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Have you ever wondered why LSVT LOUD therapy seems to involve so much “AHHH”-ing? If you’ve participated in or observed this therapy, you’ve likely witnessed the bountiful number of sustained “AHHHs” that are a cornerstone of each session. But why all the focus on this simple sound? And more importantly, is exercising the voice with “AHHH” really the end goal of this therapeutic approach? (Spoiler alert: it’s not!)
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Physical and Occupational Therapists play a critical role in managing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, a growing concern is underdosing— providing insufficient exercise intensity, duration, or frequency—leading to suboptimal outcomes.
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Your client with Parkinson’s disease (PD) significantly improved their speech in the treatment room and the research lab following LSVT LOUD. Will these improvements be perceived by untrained listeners who are naïve to speech disorders and PD?
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A 2025 study by Kim and colleagues investigated the effectiveness of LSVT LOUD® – a voice therapy program originally designed for people with Parkinson’s disease – for adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The research tested both in-person and telehealth versions of the extended LSVT-X protocol (16 session over 8 weeks, read original study by Spielman et al., 2007). Outcome measures focused on voice and speech, swallowing, and quality of life. The study included 16 adults with CP, ranging from mild to profound speech impairments.
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