The Words Are There. Getting Them Out Is the hard part.
Speech can change in ways that have nothing to do with what's in your mind. You know what you want to say. Saying it, clearly and consistently, is the part that's become hard.
Speech disorders: dysarthria & apraxia
Registered Speech Language Pathologist · Virtual Across Ontario · No referral needed
Common Signs of speech disorders
Speech changes like these often follow a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition. You might notice:
Slurred speech
Words unwillingly come out mumbled or unclear, especially when you’re tired or rushed
Soft or weak voice
Your voice is quieter, or runs out partway through a sentence
Inconsistent words
The same word comes out differently each time you try it
Running out of breath
You need to pause for air more often while talking
Hard to understand
People ask you to repeat yourself, especially on the phone
Searching for sounds
Your mouth searches for the right position before a sound comes out
Easy automatic speech
Greetings or counting come out fine, but new sentences don't
Slow or effortful speech
Getting started, or getting through a sentence, takes a lot of effort
Family members and caregivers are welcome throughout this process. These difficulties often affect the whole household's communication, not just yours, and support at home is an important factor.
Dysarthria vs. Apraxia: What's the Difference?
Dysarthria and apraxia often get lumped together under the term “motor speech” disorder. But they're not the same, and knowing which one affects you is fundamental to treatment. Both apraxia and dysarthria are possible after a stroke or brain injury. Dysarthria is often a symptom of Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or ALS.
Dysarthria happens when the muscles used for speech are weak or hard to coordinate. Speech can sound slurred, quiet, or hard to understand, even though you know exactly what you want to say.
Apraxia is different. The muscles work fine, but the brain has trouble organizing the movements speech requires. Speech often becomes inconsistent. You might notice that the same word can come out differently each time, and that starting to speak takes a lot of effort, while familiar phrases like counting or greetings can come more easily.
Sometimes, the two can look similar, which is why an accurate assessment is needed before treatment starts.
If any of this sounds familiar, reach out.
getting start is simple
No referral needed
You don't need a referral or a diagnosis to receive speech therapy.
Start whenever you're ready.
Direct Billing Available
Cognicare direct bills most major insurers, including Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, and Beneva, so claims go straight to your insurer.
How Speech Therapy Helps speech disorders
Sessions are matched to what's behind the speech changes, whether that's muscle weakness, motor planning, or both, and work toward:
✓⃝ Speech clarity: Being understood in everyday conversation
✓⃝ Breath support and volume: Having enough breath to maintain voice and finish your sentences
✓⃝ Rate and pacing: Strategic pacing when speech feels effortful
✓⃝ Motor planning: For apraxia, practising the movement sequences speech requires
✓⃝ Backup communication: An alternative communication method for when speech is hard
✓⃝ Caregiver strategies: Keeping conversation going at home
Practice carries over from treatment sessions into daily conversations.
Related Conditions
Speech disorders don’t always occur in isolation and you may find that the information on the following pages also resonates with you:
what happens next
Free consultation
15 minutes. No obligation.
Assessment
A clear picture of your strengths, challenges, and goals
Treatment plan
Built around your speech difficulties
Functional application
Practice carries over into real conversations, so clarity holds up outside of session too
Progress and taper
Sessions ease off as you meet your goals and work towards independence. You leave with a toolkit that's yours to keep and an open door to return to if needed.
why virtual speech therapy?
Online speech therapy offers the convenience of receiving personalized treatment straight into your home. It offers increased flexibility in your schedule, removes the commute time, and accommodates your abilities and energy.
With Cognicare:
No downloads or subscriptions required
One click access. You receive a personalized link to your session in your inbox
Sessions are safe, secure, and private
who you’ll work with
Mariya is a registered speech-language pathologist based in Toronto with a clinical background in outpatient neurorehabilitation. Her approach is functional and evidence-based, focused on communication that holds up in real conversations, not just in session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime!
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Slurred speech is usually dysarthria: weakness or poor coordination in the muscles used for speaking. Dysarthia might be caused by stroke, Parkinson's, MS, ALS, and brain injury.
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It might be apraxia. It could also be aphasia, or both together.
Apraxia affects planning for speech movements, where aphasia affects language skills. An assessment identifies what is present and informs the treatment approach.
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That's a common worry. Tools like communication apps or boards, or written key words are used to support communication when speech is hard because the goal is communication and accessibility. They can support speech and getting a message across.