Duke Speech Pathology provides valuable services to patients and their families with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other forms of motor neuron disease.

Individuals with motor neuron disease may experience changes in their ability to communicate or safely eat and drink.  

Treatments for Slurred Speech and Swallowing Problems

As a part of the multidisciplinary team, the speech pathologists provide evaluation and treatment services to address both progressive dysarthria of speech (slurred speech) and dysphagia (swallowing problems).

Evaluation of progressive dysarthria

• Assessment of the role of assistive technology in meeting communication needs
• Augmentative communication evaluation as speech intelligibility declines
• Evaluation of access to technology should the use of the upper extremities becomes difficult

Evaluation of Dysphagia

• Recommendations to increase safety when eating and drinking
• Patient and family education

Clinical Pathway for Communication and Swallowing Changes with ALS

The most recent PDF version of the Patient's Clinical Pathway for Communication Changes with ALS, Speech Pathologist's Clinical Pathway for Communication Changes with ALS, and the Patient's Clinical Pathway for Swallowing Associated with ALS can be downloaded from this page.

These pathways were designed to be printed double-sided and folded into a booklet. There are two sizes available for each of the brochures: 11x17 and 8 1/2 x 11.

These pathways are copyrighted and the PDF is designed to allow for printing only.