PT-RehabEd-Recognize, Refer, and Rehab Interventions: An Interdisciplinary Approach to ALS

This interdisciplinary rehabilitation education course provides physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive overview of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and the critical role rehabilitation professionals play in early recognition, referral, and ongoing management. Given that individuals with ALS frequently present first to rehabilitation settings, this course emphasizes the therapist’s ability to identify red flag signs and symptoms that may suggest an underlying motor neuron disease rather than a primary orthopedic or peripheral neurologic condition.

The presentation begins with an overview of ALS pathology, clinical presentation, and disease progression, with emphasis on features most relevant to rehabilitation clinicians. Participants will review common upper and lower motor neuron findings, patterns of weakness, bulbar and respiratory involvement, and typical functional changes observed over time. Attention will be given to how early ALS symptoms may mimic more common rehab diagnoses, increasing the importance of effective screening and clinical reasoning.

The course then focuses on screening for ALS red flags within PT, OT, and SLP practice, highlighting symptoms such as progressive focal weakness, fasciculations, unexplained fatigue, dysarthria, dysphagia, and mixed UMN/LMN signs. Through discipline-specific examples, learners will explore when to be concerned, how to document findings, and how to communicate concerns to referring providers to support timely neurologic evaluation and diagnosis.

The second half of the presentation addresses the rehabilitation management of individuals with ALS across the disease continuum. Evidence-based and best-practice interventions are discussed for PT, OT, and SLP, with a focus on maintaining safety, functional independence, energy conservation, communication, and quality of life. The course emphasizes proactive planning and anticipatory guidance rather than traditional impairment-driven rehabilitation models.

A dedicated segment explores the selection and timing of adaptive equipment and assistive technologies for individuals with ALS. Participants will learn how to introduce mobility aids, orthotics, adaptive equipment for activities of daily living, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and environmental modifications in a way that supports safety and autonomy while respecting patient values and readiness. Discipline-specific equipment considerations and the importance of interdisciplinary coordination are highlighted throughout.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of interdisciplinary collaboration, caregiver education, and referral to specialty ALS clinics and community resources. By the end of the course, participants will have increased confidence in recognizing ALS red flags, understanding their role in the diagnostic pathway, and providing skilled, compassionate, and forward-thinking rehabilitation care for individuals living with ALS.

1. 1. Describe the pathophysiology, typical presentation, and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) relevant to rehabilitation practice.
2. 2. Identify early and progressive red flag signs and symptoms of ALS that may be encountered by PTs, OTs, and SLPs in clinical settings and warrant referral.
3. 3. Differentiate ALS from other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in rehabilitation.
4. 4. Apply evidence based rehabilitation interventions across PT, OT, and SLP to optimize function, safety, communication, and quality of life for individuals with ALS.
5. 5. Identify appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technologies for individuals with ALS and determine optimal timing for introduction based on disease progression, functional needs, and patient goals.