Communication strategies of people with ALS and their partners

There are wider issues relating to the communication difficulties experienced by people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) than simply the physical problems caused by diminished oral control. In addition, existing literature on ALS rarely considers communication to be a joint interaction which depends on the strategies adopted by both communication partners, nor does it present communication in real life settings. This paper presents some of the findings from a 3-year research project which investigated the communication of people with ALS and their partners in their own homes. It discusses the purpose of human communication, and through examination of conversations in people's own homes has identified a range of strategies and techniques that families with ALS employ. For some people with ALS, although speech may deteriorate, they are still able to communicate closely and in a way that is more focused on topics that are particularly important to them. The findings from this study will be of interest to those who work with people with ALS.