Speech-Language Pathologist
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) provides advice on compensatory techniques and augmentative communication strategies that allow the individual to continue to communicate throughout life.
Some functions of the SLP may include the following:
- evaluating the individual’s motivation and potential for learning new techniques
- evaluating functional abilities, such as oral motor function, cognitive-linguistic function, augmentative communication function, and swallowing function
- determining the most efficient communication function
- training people with ALS and family members in techniques of effective communication and energy conservation, and safe eating, drinking and swallowing techniques
The speech language pathologist and the dietician may work together to analyze the individual’s swallowing function relative to the texture and consistency of foods and liquids, to make recommendations that improve nutritional deficiencies and swallowing techniques, and to develop safe and effective meal patterns.
The Speech-language pathologist and the respiratory therapist may work together to implement compensatory techniques to improve breath and respiration support for speech. Other concerns they might consider are maintaining swallowing support, and using breathing as a relaxation technique for the person with ALS.