Problems with speech - General Health Message Board

Prakas87 · 05-31-2008, 09:49 AM

I'm in my early 20s and have always had a problems with my speech, but it seems to have gotten worst since I hit high school. I jumble up words alot, and have trouble getting my thoughts out clearly. If you saw the way I write compared to way I speak, you would be surprised at the difference. I've had past coworkers mention to me in one form or another that I have trouble expressing my thought clearly. My voice also tends to lockup to a higher pitched tone when I try speaking my mind.

I thought it would just go away, but it has been affecting my life completely to the point where in college classes I can't pass oral exams. I've researched online, and it seems like the best 3 options are to either see a speech therapist/pathologist, neurologist, or I have a brain tumor?

I need a suggestion or two on where to go from here, I don't have health insurance because I can't afford it, and don't have alot of money to just go around to all different types of doctors to figure out what I should do.

janewhite1 · 05-31-2008, 08:15 PM

I would think a speech therapist would be the best option for results at lower cost, as a neurologist might want to do some very expensive tests such as MRI before treating anything.

If this is something that's more or less always been there, I doubt it's a brain tumor, even if it's gotten worse in recent years.

Here's another thought: If you can get diagnosed with a speech impediment, maybe you can get permission to take only written exams. I'm not sure how your university works.

microwave · 05-31-2008, 08:47 PM

You need to see a Speech Language Pathologist. You may not have a speech disorder (do not say speech impediment, it's considered an insulting term). You may actually have a language disorder. They can diagnose you with some testing and give you some good therapy and strategies to use in the future. You'd be amazed at how well speech therapy can work!

janewhite1 · 05-31-2008, 09:25 PM

Ah, sorry, change in vocabulary from my day. Speech disorder.

Seriously, they can do amazing things. My neighbor's kid, when he started kindergarten at 5 had so many dysfluencies he couldn't make anyone but his mom and sister understand him. He called himself Mike because he couldn't pronounce John. Few months of therapy, he spoke as well as any kid his age.

bethsheba · 06-01-2008, 03:59 PM

I wholeheartedly agree with the other posters...do see a speech pathologist as they receive extensive and intensive education and training in these areas. They would also refer you to a neurologist if need be...

Bethsheba