Evaluating Verbal Communication in Structured Interactions: Theoretical and Clinical Implications

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effect of communicative interaction on verbal communication in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and age-matched speakers. The question is, What are the effects of communicative interaction on verbal communication in people with ALS? Participants will read words and sentences while they are in a solo setting and interactive setting.

Inclusion Criteria: Speakers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (PALS-people with ALS) * diagnosis of ALS following the revised EL Escorial criteria * no history of other neurological conditions (e.g., stroke) * no cognitive impairment assessed by Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (mini MoCA) * detectable speech disturbance according to the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) * the ability to produce single words * being a native speaker of American English (AE). Age-matched Speakers * passing the remote hearing screening * having no known speech, language, or neurological disorders per self-report * no cognitive impairment assessed by Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (mini MoCA) * being a functionally native monolingual speaker of American English. Unfamiliar Interlocutors * passing the remote hearing screening * having no known speech, language or neurological disorders per self-report * being a native monolingual speaker of American English * having no experience communicating with people with dysarthria * being between the ages of 18 and 40. Exclusion Criteria: * None - if volunteer meets the inclusion criteria, then they will be enrolled