8. Difficulty Speaking: The Quiet Struggle of Juvenile Huntington’s Disease
Language is our primary tool for communication, connecting us to others and enabling us to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. However, for a child suffering from JHD, this tool can become challenging to wield. One of the symptoms of this disease is difficulty speaking, also known as dysarthria. This challenge can turn everyday communication into a struggle, isolating the child and causing significant frustration.
Dysarthria is caused by the impairment of muscles that are used for speech. This includes muscles of the tongue, throat, and lips. As JHD progresses, these muscles may become either too stiff or too loose to articulate sounds clearly. As a result, speech may become slow, slurred, or choppy, making it difficult for the child to be understood by others.
Not being able to express oneself clearly can be quite frustrating for the child, adding to the emotional toll of the disease. It’s not uncommon for children with JHD to withdraw from social interactions because they’re conscious about their speech or afraid of not being understood. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and can worsen the psychological impact of JHD.
However, all hope is not lost. With the right support, children with JHD can find ways to overcome this challenge.
Speech-language pathologists can work with the child to improve their articulation and enhance their communication skills. In some cases, alternative communication methods, such as sign language or communication devices, might also be explored. Remember, the goal is to empower the child to express themselves freely and confidently, helping them reconnect with the world around them. (8)
