Speech Therapy By Salvador E Portugal, DO, New York University, Robert I Grossman School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Aug 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Speech therapists can identify the most effective methods of communication for patients who have aphasia, dysarthria, or verbal apraxia or who have had a laryngectomy: Expressive aphasia: A letter or picture board Mild to moderate dysarthria or apraxia: Breathing and muscle control plus repetition exercises Severe dysarthria or apraxia: An electronic device with a keyboard and message display (print or screen) Postlaryngectomy: A new way to produce a voice (eg, by an electrolarynx—see Laryngeal Cancer: Rehabilitation) Speech therapists may also assist in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.