What are communication tips for people with ALS?

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What are communication tips for people with ALS?

People with ALS can use these strategies to communicate effectively:

Plan ahead:

  • Ask your speech-language pathologist which exercises are right for you.
  • Set aside a rest period before a conversation or phone call. Being tired affects your speaking ability.

Choose an environment that is:

  • Quiet, since it can be tiring to try and talk over TV or other loud noises.
  • Well-lit to enhance face-to-face communication.

When you’re talking:

  • Choose a comfortable posture and position, especially if you’re having a long or stressful conversation.
  • Establish the topic before speaking.
  • Face your listener. Look at them while you talk.
  • Over articulate your speech. Prolong the vowels and exaggerate the consonants to be as clear as possible.
  • Speak slowly.
  • Use short phrases. Try saying one or two words or syllables per breath.
  • Use telegraphic speech, leaving out unnecessary words.

Consider using devices:

  • An amplifier helps if your voice is low or soft.
  • An electrolarynx or respiratory tube provides an alternative air source if you want to communicate while you’re on a respirator.

If people are having trouble understanding you, try to:

  • Carry pen and paper with you as a backup, so you can write down what you want to say.
  • Use an alphabet board if writing is difficult. Point to the first letter of words you want to say.
  • Spell words out loud or on the alphabet board if people don’t understand you.

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