Although I have a lot of trouble understanding my husbands speech, he is very resistant to using any type of communication aid. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. Not surprisingly, some people with ALS do not view augmentative communication techniques as welcomed solutions. Promises of being able to hit a switch, gaze at a board to select a word or use a computer to say something intimate to your spouse sound like very bad news, especially if the person can still talk and write. When individuals with ALS perceive their speech impairment differently from professionals and family members, they may not accept their recommendations. Only when the severity of the impairment is perceived as a problem to the person with ALS will he consider AAC. Even then, some people see the use of AAC as giving up hope or an admission of the severity of their condition. In fact, many people with ALS dont accept any AAC until they reach the later stages of the disease and some will decide never to use any AAC.
Related Questions
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- Although I have a lot of trouble understanding my husbands speech, he is very resistant to using any type of communication aid. Is this normal?
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