ALS and Speech Therapy

  • Stay Connected

    ALS often impacts a person’s ability to communicate over time. Speech therapy can train you or your loved one in techniques and strategies to communicate verbally as long as possible, as well as assist you in accessing and training to use an alternative-augmentative communication device (AAC) in the event you are no longer to communicate verbally.

    AAC devices are customizable, and can be programmed for typing, for selecting from pre-saved phrases, and for other communication needs. Your speech therapist will assist you in selecting the appropriate device and guide you through customizing it to fit your communication needs.

    If you are not yet having communication difficulty, you can even “voice bank” so that if and when you need AAC, the device produces your voice.

  • Manage your Meals

    ALS impacts a person’s swallowing safety and function:

    As muscles weaken, it can become harder to chew foods, more difficult to control sips of liquid, and become more difficult overall to eat and drink. Aspiration, or food and liquid “going down the wrong pipe” and entering the airway is a large risk for those with ALS.

    Your speech pathologist will evaluate your swallow and help you determine how to best maintain your swallow safety while also maintaining your quality of life and enjoyment of eating and drinking.

    Though with ALS we cannot strengthen the swallow, strategies and techniques can be helpful in reducing risk of aspiration and improving comfort with intake.

With ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, it is important to consult with speech therapy early and often. Because of the progressive nature of the diagnosis, your needs will shift and evolve. Your speech pathologist can help you navigate these changes.

BPeck Speech and Swallowing’s mission is to help people maintain their independence and quality of life as long as possible, within their home environment.

Through ongoing conversation with you and your loved ones, collaboration with your medical team, and a commitment to centering your goals, speech therapy can help manage symptoms and progression of ALS.