ALS Awareness Month is an ideal time to address common misconceptions about communication and AAC in ALS care. Whether you're new to AAC or have been supporting people with ALS for years, these insights can ensure everyone has the tools they need to stay connected.
Amanda Grabiner is a speech-language pathologist with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals who use AAC. She spent six years working at the ALS Association before joining Smartbox, where she has been for the past four years. Amanda now serves on the Clinical Education Team at Smartbox, creating resources and training to empower SLPs and AAC users alike.
Myth 1: "They can still talk, so they don't need AAC yet."
Fact: AAC should be introduced before speech is lost. The early introduction allows individuals to become comfortable with their system while they can still speak, leading to less frustration and better outcomes later on.
Myth 2: "Eye gaze is the only option."
Fact: Eye gaze is a great option, but not the only one. Switches, pointers, dwell selection, and partner-assisted scanning can provide reliable access based on individual needs and preferences. Some users even change access methods throughout the day.
Tip: Smartbox's Grid software supports multiple access types in one platform, eliminating the need to switch tools as needs change.
Myth 3: "AAC devices are too hard to learn."
Fact: The right setup makes all the difference. AAC systems like Grid 3 can be customized for cognitive, motor, and visual access. With consistent training and support, even complex systems can feel intuitive.
Tip: Features like simple vocabulary pages, message banking, or predictive spelling can make communication quicker and easier.
Myth 4: "They're not interested in talking."
Fact: Fatigue, frustration, or poor access may be the barrier, not a lack of desire to communicate. If a user seems withdrawn, it may be time to re-evaluate positioning, calibration, or vocabulary access.
Tip: Tools like Grid's "Gaze Viewer" or "Video Recording" can help observe user interactions and identify hidden communication attempts.
Myth 5: "AAC is only about talking."
Fact: AAC supports texting, emailing, smart home control, social media, and much more. Communication is about participation, and AAC helps people with ALS stay engaged with their families, work, and the world.
Communication doesn't stop with speech, and neither should support. Understanding what AAC can do helps us support people with ALS in living fully and communicating clearly at every stage.
🔗 Explore Smartbox tools for ALS, such as Fast Talker and eye gaze webinars.