When MS changes the way you communicate or eat, we're here to help
In the same way that MS can affect physical activities like walking, it can also affect the muscles and processes involved in speaking and swallowing. Sometimes in ways that are gradual, sometimes more suddenly. These changes can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting your ability to connect with others, enjoy a meal or simply make yourself understood.
Our Speech Pathologists work with people living with MS to assess and manage these changes, helping you maintain your quality of life and work towards your personal goals.
What to expect
When you connect with our Speech Pathology team, we will conduct an individual assessment to understand how MS is affecting your communication or swallowing, then develop a management plan built around your needs, goals and preferences.
Appointments are delivered via telehealth, giving you access to qualified speech pathology support from home, wherever you are in South Australia and Northern Territory. All our Speech Pathologists are certified practising members of Speech Pathology Australia and bring an evidence-based approach to every appointment.
Appointments are delivered via telehealth, giving you access to qualified speech pathology support from home, wherever you are in South Australia and Northern Territory. All our Speech Pathologists are certified practising members of Speech Pathology Australia and bring an evidence-based approach to every appointment.
How can our Speech Pathologists help you?
Communication difficulties
Communication involves far more than speaking. It includes listening, understanding, reading, writing, gesturing and social interaction - all of which can be affected by MS. Our Speech Pathologists work with you to minimise the impact of communication difficulties in daily life.
- Communication difficulties may include:
- Aphasia - impairment to language affecting how you understand or express words.
- Dysarthria - difficulty with the physical act of speaking.
- Dysphonia - changes to voice quality or loudness.
Voice therapy - Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT)
Our Speech Pathology team has completed additional training in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT). It is a research-backed approach focused on improving your speech by building a louder, more controlled voice and increasing your ability to be understood. LSVT is particularly well-suited to people experiencing the voice changes that can accompany MS.
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Dysphagia refers to any difficulty with swallowing, chewing or keeping food and fluid in your mouth. For people living with MS, swallowing difficulties can develop over time and if not managed properly, can lead to serious complications including chest infections (aspiration pneumonia), dehydration or malnutrition.
Our Speech Pathologists work closely with you and your carers to develop an individual management plan. Support may include:
Our Speech Pathologists work closely with you and your carers to develop an individual management plan. Support may include:
- Safe swallowing strategies
- Mealtime management plans tailored to you
- Swallowing rehabilitation
- Training and education for carers in safe swallowing techniques
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
For people experiencing complex communication difficulties, our Speech Pathology team can assist with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies. This is a range of tools and strategies that support or replace verbal communication. This includes high-tech solutions such as electronic speech-generating devices and AI voice banking, as well as low-tech, non-electronic options for complex communication needs. AAC assessment and support can be provided via telehealth where appropriate.
Who we support
Our Speech Pathology services are available to adults living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in South Australia and Northern Territory, via telehealth. We support people who may be experiencing:
- Difficulties with speech, language, literacy or voice
- Swallowing or mealtime difficulties
- Changes to communication affecting everyday life and social connection
- Fluency difficulties
- Complex communication needs requiring AAC support
Why choose MS Society SA & NT?
Our Speech Pathologists have experience supporting people living with MS and understand how it can affect communication and swallowing in different and often unpredictable ways. All our Speech Pathologists are certified practising members of Speech Pathology Australia.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, we work closely with our Dietetics team, Occupational Therapists, Nursing staff and other allied health professionals to provide coordinated care that considers your communication and swallowing needs alongside your overall health and wellbeing.
All appointments are available via telehealth, so you can access specialist speech pathology support from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in South Australia and Northern Territory.
Frequently asked questions
How are appointments delivered?
All Speech Pathology appointments are available via telehealth, phone or video, giving you access to qualified support from home. For most communication and swallowing assessments and management, telehealth works well. If your situation is particularly complex, your Speech Pathologist will discuss the best approach with you.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an individual assessment for your Speech Pathologist to understand how MS is affecting your communication or swallowing and what you'd like to be able to do. From there, they'll develop a management plan tailored specifically to you.
What is Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT)?
LSVT is a research-backed voice therapy that focuses on building a louder, more controlled voice to improve your ability to be understood. Our Speech Pathologists have completed additional training in LSVT, making it an option for those experiencing voice changes as a result of MS.
Can Speech Pathology help with swallowing difficulties?
Yes. Our Speech Pathologists assess and manage swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), which can be a significant concern for people living with MS. They'll work with you and your carers to develop safe, practical strategies and provide ongoing support to help you maintain safe and enjoyable mealtimes.
Can Speech Pathology support my carers or support workers?
Yes. Our Speech Pathologists can provide individualised training for your carers or support team to help improve communication, manage mealtime difficulties, support oral health and address other specific needs.
Do I need a referral to access Speech Pathology services?
You don't need a referral to reach out to us. You will need to provide a letter of diagnosis or referral from your GP or Neurologist (dated within the last 12 months) as part of the registration process. If you're unsure, just give us a call. We're happy to talk it through.
How do I pay for Speech Pathology services?
There are a number of ways to fund your Speech Pathology services, including the NDIS, Support at Home, Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP) and private payment. Our team can help you work out the right option when you get in touch.
Get in touch
To find out more about our services, please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible
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