Breathing
Ask when respiratory measurements should be repeated and what symptoms should prompt a call.
Sources: Managing Breathing Issues
Living With ALS
I Was Just Diagnosed With ALS
A new ALS diagnosis can bring many decisions quickly. You do not need to solve everything at once. Start with the issues that can affect care early.
Start with the problem
What problem are you trying to solve?
This question box finds a relevant ALS Hub page. It does not diagnose or provide medical advice.
Seek immediate emergency medical help.If you cannot breathe, are choking and cannot clear it, have passed out, or have severe chest pain, call emergency services now.
A practical first checklist
- Connect with a multidisciplinary ALS clinic.
- Review treatment options with an ALS neurologist.
- Ask about genetic testing.
- Establish baseline respiratory measurements.
- Meet with a speech-language pathologist.
- Review swallowing and nutrition.
- Meet with physical and occupational therapy before equipment becomes urgent.
- Review disability, insurance, Medicare, and financial planning.
- Consider voice banking and communication planning early if desired.
- Learn about clinical research opportunities.
- Identify the person you want involved in future medical decisions.
- Discuss breathing, feeding, mobility, and communication equipment before a crisis develops.
Sources: Practice Parameter update: The care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Why multidisciplinary care matters
ALS care often involves several professionals working together: neurology, respiratory care, speech-language pathology, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, mental-health support, and genetic counseling when relevant.
A team approach can help anticipate changes and coordinate decisions before an urgent problem develops.
Sources: Practice Parameter update: The care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Useful next conversations
Communication
Ask about speech-language pathology, voice banking, message banking, and AAC before speech becomes difficult.
Equipment
Ask which equipment should be evaluated now, even if it will not be needed immediately.
Sources: Mobility in ALS · Augmentative and alternative communication
Planning
Ask who should be included in future medical decisions and how to document preferences.
Sources: Advance care planning and advance directives · Advance directives
Sources & Further Reading
These source cards link directly to the original material. External websites open in a new tab.
American Academy of Neurology / PubMed Central
Practice Parameter update: The care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Evidence review covering multidisciplinary ALS care, symptoms, communication, nutrition, respiratory care, and comfort.
Visit sourceThe ALS Association
ALS Journey Toolkit
Practical orientation for people and families following a new ALS diagnosis.
Visit sourceThis information is for education and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care.
Last reviewed: 09-30-2026
Medical information should be reviewed periodically as guidance, benefits, and equipment options change.