IndexSummaryIntroductionCauses, effectsAnalysis of the topicConclusionSummaryThis research paper is written in the context of communication disorder. Communication disorder is a condition in which a person loses the ability to send, receive, or process verbal or non-vocal concepts. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is one of the acquired communication disorders. This research paper starts with the introduction of ALS followed by the causes of ALS. The next part of the research paper explains the effects of ALS on the person suffering from this disease. The role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP), together with the social, educational and professional effects on the routine of people with ALS, will be elaborated in the next session. This discussion ends with the answer "How will I use my knowledge as an OTA/PTA". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay IntroductionAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an acquired communication disorder. It is also known as motor neuron disease (MND). In the United States the disease is also known as "Lou Gehrig's disease", named after a famous baseball player who died of ALS. ALS is a neurological disease that causes increasing muscle weakness and eventually paralysis, which, in most cases, is fatal. The result is upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron degeneration leading to muscle atrophy throughout the body. Most ALS victims died from respiratory failure approximately 3 to 5 years after the first signs and symptoms of ALS appeared. In terms of the effects of ALS on gender, men are affected more than women. Causes, effectsCauses: The true cause of ALS is unknown. Several possible causes are explained in the following part, based on the literature review. Chemical imbalance: The level of the chemical glutamate is higher in people with ALS. Too much glutamate is responsible for some damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Protein misappropriation: Some proteins accumulate abnormally in nerve cells, which leads to nerve cell death. Disordered immune response: Sometimes a person's immune system attacks his or her normal body cells which kills nerve cells.Genetic Mutation: Genetic mutation in the SOD1 gene produces the SOD1 protein. This protein is perhaps responsible for the toxic effects on nerve cells. Some studies show that there are some risk factors for ALS. Smoking is a dose-dependent risk factor for this disease. Exposure to heavy metals is also an important factor. The level of lead and manganese in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid also increases the risk. People related to electromagnetic occupation are also at increased risk of ALS. ALS shows both upper motor neuron symptoms and lower motor neuron symptoms. Signs and symptoms are usually asymmetrical when they begin. Therefore they are located on one side of the body and usually progress from distal to proximal muscles. As the disease progresses, the patient loses the ability to control his muscles. This leads to weakness and ultimately paralysis. Symptoms may be quite subtle at first and the disease affects everyone differently, which can make diagnosis difficult in some patients. The first sign of ALS is muscle weakness or lack of motor control in the arms and legs. In some people, the disease may initially affect the muscles of the throat and tongue, making it more difficult to swallow or speak. In some cases, the musclesrespirators are the first to be affected, causing shortness of breath. ALS can affect the muscles of the tongue, lips, vocal cords and chest. This results in difficulty speaking and voice fatigue, known as dysarthria. It also presents difficulties in chewing, swallowing and vocalizing words. As the disease progresses, the muscles needed for speaking become weaker and thus the patient is unable to speak clearly. Analysis of the topic Speech disorder in ALS: is characterized by slow, confused and unclear speech. There is a nasal quality to the voice. It becomes soft and weak. The patient shows difficulty managing the pitch, tone and pace of speech. It also has some problems with the pronunciation of certain words. As the disease progresses, a patient may feel exhausted in speaking, especially throughout the day. Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): The role of the speech-language pathologist is to ensure that the individual with ALS maintains their communication ability through using compensatory strategies and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. The speech therapist will evaluate the speech mechanism, function and mechanism of swallowing. It would educate patients, family members and caregivers about compensatory strategies and tools to improve function and quality of life. Then assessment, assessment and appropriate intervention for individual communication challenges are carried out by the speech-language pathologist. Social, educational and professional effects of this challenge: ALS patients suffer from the greatest communication problems. They lose the ability to communicate with society and feel alone. Emotionally they get angry because they can't talk to people and communicate normally. They suffer from the variety of emotions such as anger, grief, inadequacy and confusion. It affects the quality of life. Social interaction and educational opportunities decrease day by day for them. The person suffering can understand written things and can even read, but cannot express himself by speaking, which makes him frustrated. They may also suffer from apprehension and despair. Sudden crying or sudden laughter are part of the affected person's routine. They have many difficulties when interacting with people. Social isolation is one of the main problems for them. They may have fewer opportunities in education as their ability to convey messages is significantly affected. They struggle with work-related areas. When they reach retirement age, they may not get full benefits as it is very difficult to communicate with others. How I will use this knowledge as an OTA/PTA: I might work with a client with such a communication challenge in rehabilitation centers where people come after an injury to learn new skills or compensatory strategies to perform tasks of daily living. Other locations such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinical facilities, and speech therapist offices where I need to communicate with patients who have ALS and have communication difficulties. I can offer myself to all the places mentioned above to serve the people suffering from this disease. I would like to use my knowledge and help someone if it makes someone's life more comfortable, easier and happier. There are some basic facts I should remember while working with ALS patients. Conclusion The first is that ALS patients are not mentally affected. They have difficulty with articulating speech. Their cognitive function remains normal. So when I start an exercise program, I have to understand that they can understand my instructions but if they have problems during a program.