Speech Therapy After Stroke in Timonium, MD

How Can a Stroke Affect Speech and Communication?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when bleeding occurs within the brain.

Because different areas of the brain support different functions, the effects of a stroke can vary considerably from one person to another.

Some adults notice obvious changes in their speech immediately. Others may speak clearly but have difficulty understanding language, organizing thoughts, remembering information, or following conversations.

Communication difficulties after a stroke may include:

• Trouble finding the right words
• Difficulty naming familiar people or objects
• Problems understanding spoken language
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty writing
• Slurred or unclear speech
• Speech that sounds weak or quiet
• Difficulty coordinating speech movements
• Reduced attention
• Memory problems
• Trouble solving problems
• Difficulty organizing thoughts
• Trouble following multi-step directions
• Difficulty keeping up with conversations
• Voice changes
• Swallowing problems

These difficulties may occur separately or together.

For example, a person may have aphasia and also experience problems with memory. Another person may speak clearly but struggle with reading, writing, or executive functioning.

A comprehensive speech-language evaluation helps identify which abilities have been affected and what type of treatment may be appropriate.

You can learn more about the different communication concerns Spectrum treats on our Speech Therapy Services page.

Aphasia Therapy After Stroke

One of the most common communication disorders associated with stroke is aphasia.

Aphasia is a language disorder. It may affect a person's ability to speak, understand others, read, or write.

A person with aphasia may know exactly what they want to say but struggle to retrieve the word.

They may pause frequently, use a related word instead of the intended word, speak in short phrases, or become frustrated when language does not come easily.

Other people with aphasia may have more difficulty understanding language.

They may struggle to follow longer sentences, group conversations, detailed questions, or verbal instructions.

Aphasia may affect:

• Word retrieval
• Naming
• Sentence formation
• Conversation
• Understanding spoken language
• Reading comprehension
• Writing
• Following directions
• Using numbers
• Participating in complex discussions

Aphasia does not necessarily mean that a person has lost intelligence. In many cases, a stroke survivor knows what they want to communicate but has difficulty accessing or expressing language.

Aphasia therapy may include:

• Word-retrieval exercises
• Naming activities
• Sentence-building practice
• Conversation practice
• Reading activities
• Writing activities
• Visual supports
• Gestures
• Communication strategies
• Family or caregiver education

Therapy can be adapted to the situations that matter most to the individual.

For example, someone may practice ordering food, talking with grandchildren, answering questions at a medical appointment, or communicating over the phone.

Apraxia of Speech After Stroke

Another possible communication difficulty after stroke is apraxia of speech.

Apraxia occurs when the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements required for speech.

The muscles may still be able to move, but the brain has difficulty organizing the correct sequence of movements needed to say a word.

Signs of apraxia may include:

• Difficulty starting words
• Inconsistent sound errors
• Repeated attempts to say a word
• Trouble moving smoothly between sounds
• Greater difficulty with longer words
• Slow or effortful speech
• Knowing what to say but struggling to produce it correctly

Speech therapy for apraxia often includes repeated, structured practice with sounds, words, phrases, and sentences.

Because aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia can occur together, a speech-language evaluation can help determine which communication systems have been affected.

For more information about adult neurological communication treatment, visit our Adult Speech Therapy page.

Swallowing Problems After a Stroke

Stroke can also affect swallowing.

Difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia, and speech-language pathologists are among the healthcare professionals trained to evaluate and treat swallowing disorders.

Possible signs of swallowing difficulty include:

• Coughing while eating or drinking
• Choking
• Difficulty swallowing pills
• Food feeling stuck
• Needing several swallows
• Taking much longer to finish meals
• Avoiding certain foods
• Increased effort during meals
• Changes in voice quality after eating or drinking

Swallowing difficulties should be taken seriously.

Depending on the person's specific needs, treatment may involve:

• Swallowing exercises
• Positioning techniques
• Compensatory strategies
• Changes in eating routines
• Education for clients and caregivers

Spectrum provides swallowing therapy as part of our broader Adult Speech Therapy services.

Anyone experiencing new or significant swallowing difficulties should also discuss those symptoms with an appropriate healthcare professional.

What Does Stroke Speech Therapy Look Like?

Speech therapy after stroke varies because no two people have exactly the same challenges.

A therapy session may include activities such as:

• Practicing word retrieval
• Building sentences
• Following spoken directions
• Reading functional information
• Writing messages
• Practicing conversation
• Improving articulation
• Increasing speech clarity
• Using communication supports
• Learning memory strategies
• Organizing daily tasks
• Practicing problem-solving
• Working on swallowing exercises
• Training family members or caregivers

Whenever possible, therapy should connect these skills to activities that are meaningful to the client.

A working adult may practice reading email, participating in meetings, organizing projects, or remembering verbal instructions.

Someone focused on independence at home may work on managing appointments, making phone calls, following recipes, or organizing a daily routine.

Another person may simply want to have easier and more satisfying conversations with family members.

Those real-life goals can become an important part of treatment.

Can Speech Therapy Help Months or Years After a Stroke?

Many people associate stroke rehabilitation only with the weeks immediately following the stroke.

However, adults may seek outpatient speech therapy at different stages of recovery.

Someone may complete hospital or inpatient rehabilitation and later realize that communication difficulties are still interfering with everyday life.

Others may develop new goals as they become more independent.

For example, a person who initially focused on basic communication may later want to:

• Return to work
• Participate in community activities
• Communicate more confidently in groups
• Read for pleasure
• Manage appointments independently
• Use technology more effectively
• Improve conversations with family
• Develop strategies for ongoing memory difficulties

An evaluation can help determine whether speech therapy may be appropriate for the person's current needs and goals.

Speech Therapy After Stroke Near Timonium and Baltimore County

Spectrum Speech Therapy provides post-stroke speech therapy from our office at Greenspring Station in Lutherville, Maryland.

Our office is convenient to Timonium and many surrounding Baltimore County communities.

We serve adults from areas including:

• Timonium
• Lutherville
• Towson
• Cockeysville
• Hunt Valley
• Pikesville
• Parkville
• White Marsh
• Reisterstown
• Catonsville
• Baltimore
• Ellicott City
• Westminster
• Other surrounding Maryland communities

You can explore more locations on our Areas We Serve page.

In-person appointments are available at our Lutherville office, and telehealth may also be available when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy After Stroke

Can speech therapy help after a stroke?

Yes. Speech-language therapy may help when a stroke affects speech, language, cognition, voice, or swallowing. Treatment is individualized based on the person's specific difficulties and functional goals.

What speech problems are common after a stroke?

Stroke may result in aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, cognitive-communication difficulties, or other changes in communication. Some people experience more than one condition following a stroke.

What is aphasia after a stroke?

Aphasia is a language disorder that may affect speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. A person with aphasia may know what they want to communicate but have difficulty finding or producing the correct words.

What is the difference between aphasia and dysarthria?

Aphasia affects language. Dysarthria affects the physical production and clarity of speech. Someone with dysarthria may know exactly what they want to say but sound weak, slow, slurred, or difficult to understand.

Can speech therapy help with memory after a stroke?

Yes. Speech-language pathologists can address cognitive-communication skills such as memory, attention, organization, planning, problem-solving, and executive functioning when these abilities affect daily communication and independence.

Can a speech therapist help with swallowing after a stroke?

Yes. Speech-language pathologists are trained to evaluate and treat swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. Treatment recommendations depend on the type and severity of the swallowing difficulty.

How soon should speech therapy begin after a stroke?

The appropriate timing depends on the person's medical condition and recommendations from their healthcare team. Some people begin speech-language rehabilitation during hospitalization, while others continue treatment in rehabilitation facilities, at home, or through outpatient therapy.

Is it too late to start speech therapy months after a stroke?

Not necessarily. Adults may seek outpatient speech therapy at different stages of stroke recovery. An evaluation can help determine the person's current strengths, challenges, and goals and whether treatment may be appropriate.

Can family members participate in stroke speech therapy?

Yes. Family and caregiver education can be an important part of treatment, particularly when communication strategies need to be used consistently at home.

Where does Spectrum Speech Therapy provide stroke rehabilitation?

Spectrum Speech Therapy provides adult speech therapy from its office at Greenspring Station in Lutherville, MD, convenient to Timonium and communities throughout Baltimore County.

Do you offer speech therapy for stroke survivors from Towson, Cockeysville, or Hunt Valley?

Yes. Spectrum serves adults from Timonium, Towson, Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Pikesville, White Marsh, and other communities throughout the Baltimore County area.

How do I schedule a stroke speech therapy evaluation?

Call 443-875-7606 or contact Spectrum Speech Therapy online to request an evaluation.