As speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and as parents, we’re always seeking the clearest, most supportive path for children with motor speech disorders to find their voices—literally and figuratively. One innovative, evidence-backed approach is LSVT LOUD, originally developed for adults with Parkinson’s disease, now thoughtfully adapted for kids.
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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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Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are always on the lookout for effective, evidence-based treatments that can be applied to a wide range of clients. One such treatment that has proven its versatility across age groups is LSVT LOUD. Originally developed for adults with Parkinson’s disease, LSVT LOUD has expanded its reach to benefit other neurological adult and pediatric populations.
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I have been exploring the option of using LSVT BIG® with kids for a few years now. I pursued additional referrals from pediatricians since that time and had a lot of interest but just got my first official referral this past summer. Then I found out it was a 4-year-old boy with Down Syndrome!
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My son Wesley completed the 4 week long LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD program this summer. Wes was 4 years 2 months old at the time. He has Down syndrome, is nonverbal,
wears AFO leg braces and has glasses.
This clinical report presents real-world clinical data on the use of LSVT LOUD to improve the communication of one preschooler and one young adult with cerebral palsy (CP). Treatment resulted in significant improvements in vocal loudness, communicative effectiveness, participation, and speech (for both clients) and velopharyngeal function (for the young adult) / Notre article clinique rapporte des données cliniques « réelles » relatives à l’utilisation du protocole LSVT LOUD pour améliorer la communication d’une enfant d’âge préscolaire et d’un jeune adulte ayant une paralysie cérébrale. L’intervention offerte a permis d’améliorer de façon significative l’intensité vocale, l’efficacité de la communication, la participation communicative et la parole (chez les deux patient(e)s), ainsi que la fonction vélopharyngée (chez le jeune adulte).
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Based on this initial study, we have enough proof to continue to establish higher levels of treatment evidence that LSVT LOUD has a positive therapeutic effect on voice and speech in children with DS. We hope to conduct a larger treatment study and include a wider age-range of children and youth with DS.
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One key takeaway is that pre-treatment protocols can be designed and implemented to give children who are otherwise deemed unable to participate in LSVT LOUD a chance to train and prepare for the gold-standard protocol which may open the door to functional communication and the chance to have some control of their speech.
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Our results indicate that by focusing on a single target (healthy vocal loudness), clinicians may also observe positive therapeutic changes to articulatory function and intelligibility.
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