Delivering quality communication therapy for adults on the Gold Coast
SPEAK OUT!® THERAPY
"A proven program, delivered with care by a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider."
The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is a highly structured therapy approach designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s and related disorders. It shifts speech from being automatic to being intentional, helping you speak with greater clarity, strength, and confidence. At Ascent Speech Pathology, you’ll work with a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider who will guide you through every stage of the program.
I have Parkinson's disease - When should I begin seeing a speech therapist?
According to studies, up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s Disease develop difficulty communicating and up to 95% develop difficulty swallowing. To postpone and prevent this decline, it is optimal to begin speech therapy as soon as possible.
Participation in the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program & SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Group can change the effects that Parkinson’s Disease has on your voice. Muscles become weak because they are not used to their full capacity, not because Parkinson’s is making them weak. The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program & SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Group requires you to use the muscles for speaking and swallowing to their full potential to prevent decline.
The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is a therapy regime tailored to people with Parkinson’s Disease to improve their voicing, and in turn, their swallowing. In this program, speech is transformed from an automatic function to an intentional task.
The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is usually completed in 8 sessions spanning four weeks, and then the client transitions to SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Group.
The “Circle of INTENT”
The “Circle of INTENT” outlines the various therapy components and emphasises that this program is lifelong (Parkinson Voice Project)
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
1. Comprehensive Assessment & Education
Your journey begins with a detailed evaluation to understand your voice and speech profile. We also provide education about Parkinson’s and how it can impact communication, so you feel informed and supported from the start.
2. Tailored, Intensive Therapy
You’ll receive one-on-one therapy designed around your individual needs and goals. SPEAK OUT!® is delivered intensively, ensuring you get the focused, hands-on guidance needed to make measurable improvements.
3. Weekly Speech Groups
After completing your individual program, we encourage you to join our weekly speech groups. These sessions are more than just practice, they’re a chance to connect with others, share progress, and build camaraderie in a supportive environment.
4. Ongoing Maintenance
Because Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, we recommend refresher sessions every three to six months. These help you maintain your speech, communication, and swallowing skills, giving you the best chance to stay strong and engaged for as long as possible.
