How Speech Therapy Can Help People Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Listen Now: MS Minute with DCND Podcast on Speech Thearpy and MS

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is a specialized healthcare service provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These professionals assess and treat difficulties related to:

• Speech clarity and articulation

• Voice strength and quality

• Swallowing (dysphagia)

• Cognitive-communication skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving

Speech therapy is highly individualized, meaning treatment plans are tailored to each person’s specific needs and goals.

"Sometimes I tell people if it involves something from the neck up, we are probably involved. Anything with the brain, the mouth, the voice, the swollowing, we will probably be somewhere involved in the care team," said Speech Therapist, Spenser Ambach.

How Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Communication and Swallowing?

MS can damage the nerves that control the muscles used for speaking and swallowing. As a result, individuals with MS may experience:

• Slurred or slow speech

• Weak or strained voice

• Difficulty finding words or organizing thoughts

• Problems with memory or concentration

• Trouble chewing or swallowing food and liquids

These challenges can vary over time and may worsen during MS flare-ups or as the condition progresses.

How Speech Therapy Helps People With MS

Speech therapy can significantly improve quality of life for people living with MS by addressing both physical and cognitive challenges.

1. Improving Speech Clarity

SLPs use exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in speech and teach strategies such as pacing, over-articulation, and breath control to improve intelligibility.

2. Supporting Voice Health

For individuals with a weak or fatigued voice, therapy may focus on vocal exercises, posture, and safe voice-use techniques to reduce strain and increase volume.

3. Managing Swallowing Difficulties

Swallowing problems can increase the risk of choking or aspiration. Speech therapists provide exercises, posture adjustments, and dietary recommendations to improve safety during eating and drinking.

4. Addressing Cognitive-Communication Challenges

Speech therapy can help with memory, attention, and organization through practical strategies such as note-taking systems, routines, and problem-solving techniques that support daily life.

5. Enhancing Confidence and Independence

By improving communication and swallowing skills, speech therapy helps individuals feel more confident in social situations and maintain independence for as long as possible.

When Should Someone With MS Seek Speech Therapy?

A referral to a speech-language pathologist may be helpful if a person with MS notices changes in their speech, voice, swallowing, or cognitive communication—even if symptoms seem mild. Early intervention can prevent complications and provide tools to manage symptoms more effectively. Ask your neurologist at your next appointment. 

A Personalized and Supportive Approach

Speech therapy for MS is not about “fixing” the condition—it’s about adapting, strengthening abilities, and improving day-to-day function. Therapy evolves alongside the patient’s needs, making it a valuable part of comprehensive MS care.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis presents unique challenges, but support is available. Speech therapy offers practical strategies, professional guidance, and encouragement to help individuals with MS communicate clearly, swallow safely, and maintain their quality of life.

If you or a loved one has MS and is experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties, a speech-language pathologist can be an essential partner on the care team. Talk to your neurologist at your next visit about a referral.