Understanding Prosody Disorder - Rhythm and Intonation Disorders

Prosody, or Dysprosody, is a relatively uncommon speech disorder that is widely unfamiliar to most people. The condition is characterized by differences in the timing and rhythm of speech, as well as the cadence, intonation, and emphasis of certain words. In more simple terms, dysprosody is a rhythm and intonation disorder that affects an individual’s accent, causing their pronunciations and patterns of speech to differ from the norm. 

As is the case with many different speech and language disorders, dysprosody can affect the clarity and accuracy of speech often making it difficult to be understood by others. Speech therapy is the primary method of treatment for dysprosody as it helps individuals improve their speech clarity, as well as the rhythm and fluency of speech. If you want to improve your communication skills and speak clearly and confidently, speech therapy might be right for you. Learn more about our virtual speech therapy services by scheduling your free introductory call today! 

What are the Symptoms of Dysprosody?

As mentioned above, dysprosody causes changes in the intensity and timing of speech, as well as the cadence, rhythm, and intonation when speaking. These differences often lead to the loss of individual speech characteristics without affecting other elements of communication. Because each individual voice has its own unique characteristics, prosodic control (the ability to control the emphasis and intonation of speech) is essential for the establishment of vocal identity. 

Instances of dysprosody can be categorized into two types: linguistic and emotional. In some cases, an individual can be affected by both forms of dysprosody. 

Linguistic dysprosody diminishes one’s ability to verbally express elements of sentence structure. For example, individuals with linguistic dysprosody don’t place stress or emphasize certain words to properly express their intention. They may also be unable to distinguish their speech between asking a question or making a statement. 

Emotional dysprosody causes individuals to struggle to verbally convey emotion during speech, as well as to interpret the emotional intonation of others. During speech, whether conscious or unconscious, we use various aspects of speech to express our feelings, attitudes, and state of mind. 

What Causes Dysprosody?

In most cases, dysprosody is caused by neurological damage of some kind, though it is considered to be the least common form of neurological speech disorder. Conditions such as traumatic brain injury, brain tumors or lesions, or a stroke that damages the area of the brain responsible for speech and language can all contribute to the development of a dysprosody speech disorder. In some rare instances, dysprosody has been identified in individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. 

If you need support with your speech, language, and communication skills, virtual speech therapy services are available. Getting started is as easy as scheduling your free introductory call today!  

Can Dysprosody be Cured?

In many cases of dysprosody, normal speech patterns and intonation return over time, particularly when caused by brain trauma. As the brain heals, many individuals regain their original and natural speech characteristics. In other cases, individuals require speech therapy to overcome the changes in their speech and regain the ability to speak clearly and confidently. 

How is Dysprosody Treated?

Speech therapy is considered to be the most effective method of treatment for dysprosody. An experienced speech and language pathologist will first conduct a thorough evaluation of the individual’s current speech patterns, prosody, and intonation to identify which areas need the most support. The speech therapist will also work closely with the individual to establish realistic and targeted goals of speech therapy. Following the initial evaluation, the speech therapist will create a unique treatment plan that is tailored to the specific needs, challenges, and goals of the individual. One of the most effective speech therapy techniques for dysprosody is the use of practice drills. During practice drills, the speech therapist will model and then instruct the individual to repeat certain phrases or sentences using a variety of pitches, intonations, and timings. This exercise helps the individual to develop prosodic control, which is essential for overcoming communication challenges related to dysprosody. 

Speech therapy for dysprosody also targets proper stress and emphasis by repeating the same sentence, but putting emphasis on a different word each time. Rhythm and timing are often improved through simple exercises such as clapping each syllable in a word or sentence or using a metronome to increase awareness of timing and rhythm during speech. Techniques that focus on breath control have also been shown to help lessen the impacts of dysprosody on speech and increase general control. 

In terms of at-home practice, most speech therapists advise practicing with short and simple sentences before progressing to more complex phrases and sentences. Individuals may also be advised to record themselves reading a short passage aloud. This exercise helps to increase awareness of the speech differences, highlighting the areas that need more attention during practice. 

The Bottom Line

Speech therapy, in combination with at-home practice, offers the best outcome for individuals with dysprosody. Speech and language pathologists are experts at helping individuals of all ages overcome communication challenges and helping them succeed in social, professional, and academic environments. If you or someone close to you is struggling with communication due to a brain injury or other condition, help and support are available. Reach out to get started on the path to improved communication and enhanced self-esteem by scheduling your free introductory call today!