Comprehensibility of Dysarthric Speech: Implications for Assessment and Treatment Planning

This paper describes the concept of comprehensibility and how it is an important construct in the assessment and treatment of dysarthric speech. Intelligibility and comprehensibility are differentiated in terms of their definition, measurement, and approaches to treatment. Specifically, comprehensibility is defined within the World Health Organization model of chronic disease as a factor in disability affecting speech performance in physical and/or social contexts. The literature related to comprehensibility of dysarthric speech is reviewed. Clinical approaches to improving comprehensibility, including issues of candidacy, intervention planning, and treatment approaches, are discussed.