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It’s a common scene in households all across America. A family member of someone with early-stage Alzheimer’s sits across from their loved one, trying to communicate. Their loved one tries to respond, but they search for words they can’t quite find. The caregiver tries again—this time slower, softer, clearer—but the response is often just a shake of the head, a confused shrug, or a frustrated gesture. Silence hangs in the air, heavy and unrelenting, and both people feel the ache of distance...

There are many different ways that people can have their ability to communicate compromised, and as a practicing Speech Language Pathologist, I’ve seen them all. The most devastating situations, of course, come when someone doesn’t just lose their ability to speak, but also their ability to think like they used to be able to do. This can occur suddenly, as the result of a stroke or serious brain injury, or slowly, as is the case with Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia. But there...

Picture this: The room is filled with people, but it feels strangely quiet. Your loved one sits there, their face tense, their hands fidgeting. You watch as their eyes dart around, searching for a way to join in. It’s like they’re standing on the other side of a glass wall—so close, yet completely cut off. And you? You’re just trying to figure out how to break through, to pull them back into the world they once navigated so easily. You’ve tried a thousand things—talking slower, using simpler...

Nonverbal Communication Ever feel like everyone else is having a conversation you’re not a part of? If you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of adults who have lost their ability to speak for one reason or another, you probably answered that question with a resounding “Yes!” You’ve got so much to say, so many thoughts swirling around in your head, but getting them out feels like trying to run a marathon with your legs tied. That’s the cruel irony of losing your ability to speak—your mind is...

This month marks a significant milestone for me and everyone involved in the development of APP2Speak: our app's 10-year anniversary! Reflecting on our journey, it feels like a natural progression. My initial intention wasn’t to develop a speech app; I was simply addressing the communication challenges faced by my patients, continuously seeking better solutions. This relentless pursuit of improvement ultimately led to the creation of APP2Speak, a tool that has empowered hundreds to communicate...

Feeling frustrated and lost when trying to communicate with your loved one who has early-stage Alzheimer's? You're not alone. If you’re like many others in this situation, you’ve probably thought, "I just wish I knew how to connect better with them." And it’s perfectly okay to feel that way.  Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be like navigating a maze where the walls keep shifting. You’re doing your best, but it can wear you down. But don’t give up hope. Relief is just around the corner....

The Role of the Speech Language Pathologist May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (formerly called Better Hearing and Speech Month). Each year at this time, I get a little reflective about my career as a Speech Language Pathologist and all the changes I’ve seen take place in the field. I’m proud of the 41 years I’ve spent in the field, I think I’ve accomplished a lot, and I feel like I have some experience to share with others. So that’s what I’m going to do in this month’s blog post....

Almost 50 years ago, the Autism Society in the U.S. launched its first autism awareness campaign. This evolved into Autism Awareness Month, which has taken place each April for decades now. While the original idea behind this event was certainly well-intentioned, the dialogue and activities that have developed over the years to “celebrate” Autism Awareness Month have come to be viewed in a less-than-positive light by many people with autism and their family members, friends, and support...

Recently, I’ve started working with a new patient. This gentleman had a stroke about six years ago and lost his ability to speak. While I’m still in the process of learning about his preferences, needs, cognitive abilities, etc., I’ve already found out one crucial piece of information: upon losing his ability to speak, he was provided with a free app on his iPad…but he doesn’t use it. I’ve also discovered that the reason he doesn’t use it is that he doesn’t understand the symbols and...

If you have a loved one or client who has challenges trying to communicate, you’ve probably been wondering whether it’s time to look for some help in the form of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device or app. If so, your first move should be to seek professional assistance from a speech pathologist or AAC specialist. But if the physician won’t provide a referral to a speech pathologist, or if your insurance does not cover such services, you may need to take the initiative...