ALS and Speech Loss

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease. Approximately 10% – 15% of individuals with the disease present with speech difficulties as their primary symptom. Issues with speech often begin gradually with the ability to speak degrading as the disease progresses.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS, it is important to consider an ALS communication device with voice banking capabilities. This allows you to “bank” your voice, tone, messages and unique expressions while you still have the ability to speak.  Your voice can then be re-created as your need to communicate through voice assistive technology becomes necessary.

Let’s take a look at some ways ALS can affect speech.

Breaks or Interruptions While Speaking

ALS can cause breaks or interruptions while speaking. These “breaks” can happen frequently, making it very difficult for others to understand.

“Nasal” Sounding

We all know what it sounds like when we have allergies or a cold. A person with ALS may sound very “nasally” even without having allergies or cold.

Slurred Speech

Slurred speech is difficult to understand and is one of the tell-tale signs of disease progression.

If you’re searching for an ALS communication device with environmental control, Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) has you covered.  Our signature autonoME is a custom environmental control unit (ECU) and speech generating device combined in a single, convenient package. The autonoME’s user-friendly interface and ability to operate using multiple input methods make it one of the most sought after ECU devices on the market today.  Additionally, the autonoME’s voice assistive technology features include voice banking and full augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), making it perfect for ALS communication.

If you have been diagnosed with ALS and are concerned about loss of speech, we can help. Give us a call to learn more about the autonoME today.