Purpose: To understand children and parents' views of the effectiveness and acceptability of intensive
dysarthria therapy.Materials and Methods: Twenty-two children with
cerebral palsy and
dysarthria joined a pilot RCT comparing intensive
therapy and usual care. Children (n = 11) allocated to
dysarthria therapy comprising three 40-minute sessions per week for six weeks and their parents (n = 11) were interviewed two weeks before and six weeks after
therapy. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.Results: Analysis revealed five themes: Motivations, My new voice; The new me; I can do more; Success rooted in
therapy design. Children had received little
therapy for speech and were keen to improve intelligibility. Overall,
therapy was viewed as effective. Participants described changes in children's speech production, which they associated with increased speech intelligibility. Children were described as more confident following the
therapy, to have more successful conversations, with a wider range of partners in more environments, thereby increasing their social participation. The programme was viewed as acceptable, despite its intensity, due to the short term commitment and wider benefits for the child. Parents valued the organised structure and individualisation of the programme and inclusion in the
therapy process.Conclusion: Families found the intervention acceptable and effective. A definitive trial of its clinical effectiveness is warranted.Implications for rehabilitationChildren with
cerebral palsy who have
dysarthria and their parents reported that intensive
speech therapy focussing on creating a stronger voice and a steady speech rate increased the clarity of children's voice and the intelligibility of their speech.Therapy may have additional benefits for children's self-confidence and social participation.The programme of
therapy comprising three sessions per week for six weeks was seen as manageable by families in view of the results achieved.