ASHA Learning Pass

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often present with dysarthria and reduced intelligibility. Understanding the nature of these speech deficits and how they affect the individual will improve treatment and speech outcomes. This journal self-study explores how aspects of both the individual (such as native language and experiences with speaking) and treatment conditions (such as task or cue types) affect speech production and intelligibility for people with PD. SLPs can use this information to improve intervention for people with PD and individual perceptions of speech production.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• describe the effect of dual-task conditions on speech motor learning in typical speakers and those with PD
• discuss the benefits of visual feedback on speech production in people with PD
• discuss the psychosocial implications of speech deficits from PD
• explain how external cues may facilitate improved speech in people with PD
• describe the impact of the native language of the speaker with PD and listener on intelligibility measures

Learning Assessment
Online, multiple-choice exam