Can speakers with ataxic dysarthria have good intelligibility when speaking slowly?

Speakers with ataxic dysarthria can indeed achieve good intelligibility when speaking slowly. Ataxic dysarthria is characterized by a lack of coordination and precision in the movements required for speech, which can result in irregularities in speech rhythm, volume, and articulatory precision. When individuals take their time and slow down their speech, it allows for better control of their articulatory mechanisms. This slower pace can enhance speech clarity, making it easier for listeners to understand them.

In settings where ataxic dysarthria is present, speech therapy often focuses on pacing strategies that encourage speakers to articulate more deliberately. By doing so, speakers can manipulate their speech production to compensate for their motor control challenges, thereby improving intelligibility. Nevertheless, while slowing down can improve clarity, it does not entirely eliminate the underlying issues of ataxic dysarthria. Hence, the recognition that intelligibility may improve markedly with this approach is essential in both therapeutic and evaluative contexts.