Speech and language therapy care for a child with SMA type 1a and bulbar dysfunction –⁠ a case study

Czech version

Authors: E. Pňáčková ^1,2; R. Florianová ^1,2; I. Bytešníková ²
Authors‘ workplace: Poliklinika Halasovo náměstí, Brno – Lesná ¹; Katedra speciální a inkluzivní pedagogiky, Pedagogická fakulta MU, Brno ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2026; 89(S1): 42-44
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2026S42

Overview

Despite advances in disease-modifying treatment, the clinical speech and language therapist remains an important member of the multidisciplinary care team for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), focusing on the assessment and management of bulbar functions related to communication, feeding, and swallowing. This case report describes the development of bulbar functions in a patient with SMA type 1a receiving disease-modifying treatment and speech and language therapy from 38 months of age.

Keywords:

spinal muscular atrophy – speech therapy – dysarthria – deglutition disorders – bulbar function – patient care team

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