title: Communication styles of persons with ALS as recounted by surviving partners.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the communication patterns of individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as reported from the surviving spouses' perspectives. Six surviving spouses of people with ALS participated in semi-structured interviews after the deaths of their partners. The interviews were transcribed and coded. Data analysis revealed four primary themes: communication styles, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use, decision-making, and lifestyle changes. Spouses described unique changes in communication styles as their partners began to use augmentative communication strategies and devices. AAC devices were described as essential for individuals with ALS with respect to decision making and maintaining social roles. Spouses stated the importance of adapting social activities in order to maintain involvement in the community as well as with family and friends.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska Kearney, Kearney, NE 68849-5553, USA. mckelveyml@unk.edu
authors.forename: Miechelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKelvey
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Norimune
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beukelman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012917:Social Adjustment; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*