How A Spinal Muscular Atrophy Breakthrough Created a Greater Need for SLPs

In its most severe forms, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was once thought to be unavoidably terminal. But recent developments are allowing those with the disorder to live longer, healthier lives, and today’s guest says this means a greater need for speech-language pathologists' services.

SLP Katlyn McGrattan (University of Minnesota; Masonic Children's Hospital) says advances in treating SMA essentially created a new condition. She explains the role SLPs play in treating feeding and swallowing issues, dysarthria, and other such conditions seen in this emerging patient population.

Later in the episode, hear from the mother of a son with SMA. She shares her family’s experience.

Learn More:

ASHA Voices: Exploring Caregiver-Provider Interactions

Dysphagia Phenotypes in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Past, Present, and Promise for the Future

ASHA Evidence Map: Spinal Muscular Atrophy

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