Pamela

[ExiledScot]

I suffer from SCA and the most embarrassing part of my condition is the decline in my speech. I'm waiting to see a Speech Therapist, but might be six feet under by that time. Canadian Health System is not the best right now, like many others in the world.My best tip to help with speech decline, is to go to Tongue Twisters online. Practice some of them daily (out loud) and try not to laugh too much. They are hilarious, and after all, laughter is supposed to be the best medicine.

I wish you all well who are reading this.

[wobblybee]

😂 Tongue twisters are definitely a challenge ..and good for a laugh

🙂Best wishes x

[wendygirl]

One bit of advice I was given by my speech therapist is to slow your speech down don’t try to rush what your saying, it also gives me time to think of an alternative word if I can’t say a certain word. X

[Elizabethtracy]

Hi I did the speech therapy course with Ataxia there is a waiting list not sure if they do it in Canada but you could askThe therapist sent us some Utube videos which are voice exercises which helped sorry I don't know how to link them to here

They should put them on Ataxia website but maybe you go on U Tube and put in speech exercise they might come up

[Elizabethtracy]

youtu.be/UqQA2bSasZw?si=lSl...(Not working as expected?) I might have linked it

[Elizabethtracy in reply to Elizabethtracy]

youtu.be/_v2xYMHjxEQ?si=-yZ...(Not working as expected?)

[paul456]

Hi Pamela

The best advice I can give that hasn’t already been given NEVER be embarrassed about something that is out of your control and part of a bad disability.

You take care my friend stay safe and be happy x

[Lilakee]

HI I find speech increasingly frustrating. its fine in my head but doesnt come out does it? I received therapy some weeks after diagnosis (Im in the UK) I have a handful of exercises on paper. is there some way i could send them to you? Yes there are some excellent advice on youtube. Liz

[27011952]

I agree, wobbly speech can be the most isolating aspect. I find tongue twisters a non starter. Meeting socially with people who know your problems helps a lot, I find after about 15 mins everything starts working a bit better. Best to be upfront with your condition and how you are at the moment.I often practice what I need to say before going in a shop and look for alternative words. E.g. 'hi' is easier than 'good morning'. I say my test word, Canada, before going in. If I can manage Canada I know I'll be OK.

I find, on average, men respond better than women. My short explanation to strangers is 'sorry, I sometimes have problems with my balance and speech'. Men tend to respond, 'no problem, take your time' then give their full attention. Women mean well but sometimes tilt their head in a slightly condescending way, may try to help with 'perhaps write it down' or 'do you do email'. Worst of all, talk slowly back to you!

In my head, I can still do all the things I used to do. If only my body would cooperate!

Pete

[Piero in reply to 27011952]

I simply burble on. Strangers are either going to think I'm drunk or that I have an impediment. Let them make up their own minds. Cheers Colin