ABSTRACT
The ability to communicate is a prerequisite for participation in many everyday activities. In fact, it is hard to imagine life without communication. It is necessary in order to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, to raise children, to manage household business, to get appropriate health care services, and to take part in work or educational activities. When multiple sclerosis (MS) interferes with communication, it also restricts participation in life roles. As a result, many negative consequences arise, for example, loss of employment, social isolation, and dif„culty pursuing services, including access to health care. After reading this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Recognize the communication problems that people with MS typically experience and how a speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses them,
2. Explain how communication problems interact with other symptoms of MS and interfere with participation in everyday activities,
3. Describe intervention for communication disorders in MS, including reasons for referral and approaches to treatment,
CONTENTS
12.1 Type and Prevalence of Communication Disorders ..................................................... 278 12.2 Association of Communication Disorders with Other Problems ............................... 278 12.3 Assessment Strategies ....................................................................................................... 279
12.3.1 Impairment of Structural or Functional Integrity ............................................ 279 12.3.2 Activity Limitations...............................................................................................280 12.3.3 Participation Restrictions ...................................................................................... 281
12.4 Treatment Planning ........................................................................................................... 281 12.4.1 Dealing with Activity Limitations ...................................................................... 282
12.4.1.1 Mild Dysarthria ...................................................................................... 282 12.4.1.2 Moderate Dysarthria .............................................................................. 282 12.4.1.3 Severe Dysarthria ...................................................................................283
