Keep communication connected to your life
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, can affect the muscles used for speech and swallowing. Tell us which conversations matter to you and when speaking becomes harder or more tiring.
Your speech-language therapist can help you explore ways to make communication more manageable. That may include changes to a conversation, support from a communication partner, or other ways to express yourself.
Talk about changes around meals
Share any difficulty chewing, drinking, swallowing, or managing the effort of a meal. Bring previous swallowing reports and instructions from your medical team.
An individual assessment guides recommendations and helps identify whether further medical or swallowing evaluation is needed. Nutrition, breathing, and medical decisions remain connected with your ALS care team.
Include thinking and practical planning
If remembering information, following a discussion, or organizing a plan is difficult, bring that into the conversation too. We can address relevant cognitive-communication needs as part of your evaluation.
Planning ahead gives you and your family time to discuss communication options. Ask about the help available here and when a specialist or device service may be needed.
Coordinate outpatient support
Jennifer Holmberg, our speech-language pathologist, works with communication, cognition, and swallowing concerns, including ALS. Share recommendations from your ALS team so outpatient goals fit with the rest of your care.
If daily activities or mobility are also difficult, call to discuss your needs and appropriate therapy options. Let us know about fatigue, equipment, and assistance needed for clinic visits.
Common questions
Should I wait until communication becomes very difficult?
You can discuss changes and planning with your ALS team early. Call our office to ask about an outpatient speech-language evaluation and bring any recommendations you have received.
Does this replace my ALS clinic?
Our role is outpatient rehabilitation. Your ALS medical team continues to manage the disease, breathing, nutrition, and other medical needs. We work to keep rehabilitation goals connected with that care.