See also Speech & language therapy
Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge the use of information from the UK’s Parkinson’s Disease Society information sheets on Communication (FS6), Handwriting (FS23), Speech and Language Therapy (FS7).
Adjusting Parkinson’s medication can sometimes improve communication problems. Discuss this with your doctor before making any changes yourself.
A speech and language therapist may also be able to help. With speech and non-verbal, physical communication. They can offer advice on:
An occupational therapist can advise on ways to help with handwriting. They can recommend special equipment and tools, such as:
Non-verbal communication includes body language, sign language, paralanguage, touch, eye contact and writing.
Health profession who help people of all ages who have problems with communication, swallowing, drooling, eating and drinking.
The way we stand or sit. Postural problems, especially a tendency to stoop forwards, are common features of Parkinson’s.
Health profession that helps people of all ages who are disabled, ill or aged to remain independent and lead fulfilling lives at home, in work and through leisure pursuits. The methods they use include specific activities and equipment.
See section on Occupational Therapy.
Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal elements of communication, expressed consciously or unconsciously, and used to modify meaning and convey emotion. These includes the pitch, volume, and, in some cases, intonation of speech and changes how something is said rather than what is being said.
Some examples of paralanguage include laughing, crying, whispering, snoring, sucking, sneezing, sighing, hissing, shushing and whistling.
