Article

PURPOSE: To explore the speaker's experience of living with acquired chronic
dysarthria. METHOD: Ten people with dysarthria and progressive neurological
illness and one person with dysarthria following stroke were interviewed in depth
about their experience of living with dysarthria. They covered a range of ages,
time post-onset and dysarthria severity levels. Interviews were transcribed and
analysed using Framework Method of Analysis. RESULTS: Acquired dysarthria can
negatively impact on speakers' lives. Findings here suggest that the experience
of living with dysarthria is highly individual. There were some common
perspectives. Six key themes emerged from interviews: 'dysarthria as only part of
the picture', 'communication has changed', 'people treat me differently',
'dysarthria resulting in negative emotions', 'barriers to communication' and
'life is different now. The impact of co-existing physical disability and the
need to consider dysarthria in context was emphasised by all participants.
CONCLUSION: Findings re-emphasise the need to consider the individual experience
in clinical practice. The findings provide direction for assessment and
intervention in the area.

Langue : ANGLAIS