Individuals with progressive neuromuscular disease often experience complex communication needs and consequently find that interaction using their natural speech may not sufficiently meet their daily needs. Increasingly, assistive technology advances provide accommodations for and/or access to communication. Assistive technology related to communication is referred to as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The nature of communication challenges in progressive neuromuscular diseases can be as varied as the AAC options currently available. AAC systems continue to be designed and implemented to provide targeted assistance based on an individual’s changing needs.
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Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is considered standard practice in interventions for individuals with progressive neuromuscular disease.
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Individuals with progressive neuromuscular disease can maintain effective, functional communication by implementing AAC when natural speech no longer meets their needs.
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AAC strategies and systems may be customized to accommodate for individual needs by exploiting intact abilities (eg, spinal muscular atrophy distal movements, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis eye movements).
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New technologies under development promise access to communication systems for individuals with progressive neuromuscular diseases who previously were considered locked-in and unable to retain effective interactions (ie, brain-computer interface).
The review for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, motor neuron disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and dysarthria, communication disorder, speech, speech disorder, speaking, communication device, speech-generating device, augmentative and alternative communication, and technology/computer access, assistive technology) yielded 122 different references and articles. There were no randomized controlled trials identified. Among those reporting data on ALS and AAC, 36 were published in peer-reviewed journals and presented outcome research and individual cohort studies (ie, levels 2b and 2c); these are presented in this document. Additionally, the literature review yielded no results for Duchenne, myotonic, or spinal muscular atrophy related to AAC.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive paralyzing disease. Most individuals with ALS die within 2 to 5 years of onset. No cure exists, and limited treatments are available; clinical management consists primarily of symptom management. Many people diagnosed with ALS participate in multidisciplinary clinics where they receive coordinated care from a neurologist and/or physiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, dietitian, social worker, respiratory therapist, and nurse case manager. In general, participation in multidisciplinary clinics is supported by evidence indicating increased use of effective interventions including riluzole, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and noninvasive ventilation, resulting in fewer hospitalizations. The impact of ALS on a person’s participation patterns will vary depending on the individual’s life stage, ALS type, and life-extending decisions (eg, gastrostomy, ventilator).
Communication Impairments in ALS
Because of the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons in ALS, motor speech impairments result in a mixed spastic-flaccid dysarthria. Initial speech symptoms among people with ALS (pALS) vary, but a general pattern is often apparent. Initially, speaking rate slows, followed by moderate and then more severe reductions in intelligibility that affect overall communication effectiveness, and continued progression ultimately leaves the person with no functional speech (ie, anarthric). Because there have been no controlled studies examining communication in ALS, the American Academy of Neurology notes that there are insufficient data to support or refute treatment to optimize communication in ALS. Still, because of progressive loss of natural speech, the standard of care for individuals with ALS indicates treatment emphasizing strategies for optimizing natural speech (“communication for as long as possible”) and focusing on an individual’s expressive language capabilities as well as communication effectiveness among various partners.
Although respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in ALS, mechanical ventilation can prolong life expectancy, but will not halt the relentless progression of paralysis. Noninvasive ventilation is often the initial treatment to alleviate respiratory symptoms and invasive ventilation via tracheostomy is proposed when noninvasive ventilation is no longer effective owing to disease progression, low tone in bulbar musculature, or difficulty with secretions. When a pALS accepts mechanical ventilation, the clinician must be aware of and resolve incongruent decisions (ie, accepts mechanical ventilation to prolong life but refuses a speech-generating device [SGD] to provide communication even with ongoing functional decline). Similarly, when a pALS accepts ventilation, she or he requires ongoing intervention to ensure appropriate access accommodations to the SGD to maintain effective communication.
Customized AAC systems should be designed for each pALS that include means to communicate basic medical messages as well as new information for daily conversation; a way to “chat” or just casually interact; a means to access and use the telephone; options to call attention for assistance; and ways to express affection, humor, and emotions. The AAC system should change as dysarthria progresses in ALS, with system components ranging from basic alphabet or symbol boards to computer-based SGDs. One key indication for the use of AAC by pALS is that “functional communication is an essential component to improved quality of life for persons with severe physical limitations, such as those experienced by persons with ALS.” (p377) Although outcomes have not been studied systematically, individuals often comment on the value of the AAC system: “My computer has many functions. It is my writing system; my communication system (e-mail, fax), especially for family farther away; my information system; my database for addresses and other lists; my financial and legal organizer; my entertainment system; and, lastly, my speech system.” (p124)
AAC Acceptance in ALS
Caregivers who support individuals with ALS report very positive attitudes toward AAC technology, indicating greater rewards associated with caregiving and increased social closeness to the person with ALS. AAC has a high level of acceptance among pALS, with nearly 96% accepting AAC technology (90% on initial recommendation, 6% following a delay) when provided with options in a timely manner. One departure from this acceptance may be individuals with ALS who have co-occurring severe frontotemporal lobar dementia or accompanying severe health issues, as these may have a higher rejection rate of AAC technology and therefore require careful consideration. Individuals who reject AAC technology may, however, implement strategies that do not rely on technology to support their communication, such as partner-supported scanning, hierarchical yes/no responses, and eye gaze to direct interactions.
AAC Use in ALS
Individuals with ALS use AAC technology to sustain employment, program computers, access word processing to write documents, provide accounting services, and interact on the telephone and Internet. Advances in technology promise greater access to interactions that support social, recreational, educational, commercial, volunteer, and employment activities. Duration of AAC technology use may be dependent on factors including life expectancy, nutritional status, timelines for AAC provision, and decisions for life-prolonging procedures. In one report, individuals with ALS who acquire and use AAC technology continue to communicate using the same device for a mean duration of 28.4 months, with those who presented with spinal ALS having a mean duration of 32.1 months and those with bulbar ALS having a mean duration of 25.2 months. Individuals with ALS who acquire AAC technology to support their communication continue to use the devices until the end of life, or within a couple weeks before death.
ALS case study
Gil is a 39-year-old man who works at a large regional hospital as a data entry specialist in the Information Technology Department. Recently diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS, Gil hopes to continue working as long as possible. At his most recent ALS clinic visit, the speech-language pathologist completed a brief evaluation and identified slowed speaking rate and mild dysarthria; she then referred him for an AAC evaluation. During the AAC evaluation, Gil had the opportunity to examine and try a variety of SGDs and together with his wife and teenage daughter, planned for his communication strategy. He already was using an iPad to keep his schedule, plan meetings, surf the Web/e-mail, and for entertainment. To minimize out-of-pocket expense but remain functionally communicative, his initial plan was to add a communication app (eg, Verbally [Intuary, Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA]) with an onscreen keyboard and synthesized voice output to his existing iPad. He purchased a small external speaker that was embedded in an iPad case so that the voice output would be loud enough to be heard in most of his communication situations. He used this system to interact with others at work, to participate in religious services, and when he went out to play cards with his friends. As Gil’s ALS progressed, he began having difficulty using his hands to access the iPad keyboard and relied on a walker to steady himself while ambulating. At that point, his respiratory function had declined and he made the decision with his family to proceed with mechanical ventilation; subsequently, he also acquired a dedicated SGD to provide more access options. As he was also in the process of acquiring a power wheelchair (eg, Permobil [Permobil, Inc, Lebanon, TN, USA]), he selected a large-format SGD with eye gaze access (eg, Dynavox Eyemax [DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, Pittsburgh, PA, USA]) that could be mounted to the wheelchair and easily moved to another mount in his home. He used the SGD to communicate with coworkers until he resigned (10 months from initial iPad implementation) and continued using the SGD until approximately 1 week before death. During the final days of life, Gil used the SGD intermittently, but also used a partner-supported hierarchy of questions to which he responded yes by looking up and no by looking down.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DMD is an X-linked recessive degenerative disease caused from absence of the dystrophin protein that stabilizes and protects muscle fibers. Standards of care were recently developed by the DMD Care Considerations Working Group under the auspices of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among others, the recommendations included the multidisciplinary approach and the multidisciplinary team, including a speech-language pathologist, as a key aspect of care.
Communication Impairments in DMD
Speech intelligibility decreases because of deteriorating respiratory support. Compensatory strategies, speech amplification, and AAC become appropriate as communication becomes increasingly limited.
DMD case study
RJ is a 26-year-old man with DMD who resides in an adult foster home in a rural community. RJ graduated from the local high school 5 years ago without any means to control his environment, no computer for writing, recreation, or employment. He did not have a means to explore the Internet for information. He is currently quadriplegic with strained respiration. He can move his head and has control of his eye movements and eye blinks. He does have a significant head tilt to the right, which affects his face-to-face eye contact for conversation. RJ uses a wheelchair for mobility that is pushed by his caregivers. He leans forward in his chair to facilitate respiration. RJ relies on speech with significantly reduced volume for spontaneous personal communication (Melanie Fried-Oken, 2010), as well as for calling attention, talking on a speakerphone, and managing his medical needs. When he is travelling in his adapted van, he does not have an effective means to speak with the driver or other passengers. RJ came to the AAC clinic looking for a means to control his computer to surf the Internet and write. Language and cognitive testing indicated that this young man had receptive and expressive language skills that were within normal limits for adults. He was an adequate speller and enjoyed reading magazines when someone held them up and turned pages for him. With assistance from a clinical consultant at Words+, RJ tried to use an SGD accessed through advanced eye gaze technology. A computer with a low-voltage USB camera (EyePro GS [Words+, Inc, Lancaster, CA, USA]) was set up in front of him, and he learned how to use his eyes to control a mouse and select letters from an on-screen keyboard. After an initial evaluation, RJ worked with the consultant through remote training sessions. The consultant and RJ would meet on Skype, where she could watch RJ practice eye control with different computer applications over multiple sessions. He learned how to set up an e-mail account, surf the Internet, and compose text with specialized word processing software (called E Z Keys [Words+, Inc, Lancaster, CA, USA]) that provided keystroke enhancement techniques for word prediction, macros, and text storage. RJ acquired the necessary technology through his medical insurance. He now has an effective AAC system that includes an SGD for writing and environmental control, head nods, facial expression, and smiles for face-to-face communication, and a simple voice amplifier (the Chattervox, Indian Creek, IL, USA) for increasing his speaking volume when he is in a room alone and needs medical assistance or is in the van with a driver or other passengers. He still relies on caregivers to set up the computer and EyePro so that he can use it for different tasks, but his access to the world, his acquisition of new knowledge through the Internet, and his quality of life have been enhanced by current assistive technology.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DMD is an X-linked recessive degenerative disease caused from absence of the dystrophin protein that stabilizes and protects muscle fibers. Standards of care were recently developed by the DMD Care Considerations Working Group under the auspices of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among others, the recommendations included the multidisciplinary approach and the multidisciplinary team, including a speech-language pathologist, as a key aspect of care.
Communication Impairments in DMD
Speech intelligibility decreases because of deteriorating respiratory support. Compensatory strategies, speech amplification, and AAC become appropriate as communication becomes increasingly limited.
DMD case study
RJ is a 26-year-old man with DMD who resides in an adult foster home in a rural community. RJ graduated from the local high school 5 years ago without any means to control his environment, no computer for writing, recreation, or employment. He did not have a means to explore the Internet for information. He is currently quadriplegic with strained respiration. He can move his head and has control of his eye movements and eye blinks. He does have a significant head tilt to the right, which affects his face-to-face eye contact for conversation. RJ uses a wheelchair for mobility that is pushed by his caregivers. He leans forward in his chair to facilitate respiration. RJ relies on speech with significantly reduced volume for spontaneous personal communication (Melanie Fried-Oken, 2010), as well as for calling attention, talking on a speakerphone, and managing his medical needs. When he is travelling in his adapted van, he does not have an effective means to speak with the driver or other passengers. RJ came to the AAC clinic looking for a means to control his computer to surf the Internet and write. Language and cognitive testing indicated that this young man had receptive and expressive language skills that were within normal limits for adults. He was an adequate speller and enjoyed reading magazines when someone held them up and turned pages for him. With assistance from a clinical consultant at Words+, RJ tried to use an SGD accessed through advanced eye gaze technology. A computer with a low-voltage USB camera (EyePro GS [Words+, Inc, Lancaster, CA, USA]) was set up in front of him, and he learned how to use his eyes to control a mouse and select letters from an on-screen keyboard. After an initial evaluation, RJ worked with the consultant through remote training sessions. The consultant and RJ would meet on Skype, where she could watch RJ practice eye control with different computer applications over multiple sessions. He learned how to set up an e-mail account, surf the Internet, and compose text with specialized word processing software (called E Z Keys [Words+, Inc, Lancaster, CA, USA]) that provided keystroke enhancement techniques for word prediction, macros, and text storage. RJ acquired the necessary technology through his medical insurance. He now has an effective AAC system that includes an SGD for writing and environmental control, head nods, facial expression, and smiles for face-to-face communication, and a simple voice amplifier (the Chattervox, Indian Creek, IL, USA) for increasing his speaking volume when he is in a room alone and needs medical assistance or is in the van with a driver or other passengers. He still relies on caregivers to set up the computer and EyePro so that he can use it for different tasks, but his access to the world, his acquisition of new knowledge through the Internet, and his quality of life have been enhanced by current assistive technology.
Related posts:
Neuromuscular Disease Management and Rehabilitation, Part I: Diagnostic and Therapy Issues
Dedication
Electrodiagnosis in Neuromuscular Disease
Exercise in Neuromuscular Diseases
Physical Therapy Evaluation and Management in Neuromuscular Diseases
Robotics, Assistive Technology, and Occupational Therapy Management to Improve Upper Limb Function in Pediatric Neuromuscular Diseases
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