Expert Perspectives on Speech Disorders: The Roles of Bilingualism, Music Therapy, and Holistic Approaches

Therapeutic interventions for speech pathologies have evolved over time with an increase in our understanding of the underlying neuroanatomical basis and the types of interventions available. The following exploratory research considers the perspective of experts and therapists in examining the multifactorial influences on speech pathologies and the therapeutic potential of music-based interventions. Our findings not only highlighted the role of linguistic, neuroanatomical, and psychosocial social factors in speech fluency and recovery; It also highlights the importance of how the therapy is provided, including the language used during treatment, the patient’s mother tongue, and bilingual abilities. Bilingualism was found to impact stuttering patterns, with some patients demonstrating greater fluency in a second language due to reduced emotional pressure or due to more exposure to different phonemes and phonetic structures. The distinction between neurogenic and developmental stuttering further emphasizes the need for tailored therapy, with neurogenic cases benefiting from neuroplasticity-driven interventions. Psychological and social factors, including anxiety and bullying, were frequently cited as exacerbating speech difficulties, reinforcing the value of cognitive-behavioral approaches. The efficacy of traditional clinical interventions was ameliorated by alternative therapeutic approaches that were more holistic in treating speech disorders. As such, music therapy emerged as a promising adjunct intervention, particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurogenic speech disorders. Techniques such as rhythmic queueing and melodic intonation therapy were reported to improve speech fluency by engaging multiple brain regions and enhancing speech-motor coordination. Our findings suggest that personalized, interdisciplinary approaches integrating language considerations, psychological support, and music therapy can optimize treatment outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term efficacy of these methods and the integration of digital tools such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality in speech therapy.