Feasibility RCT of a digital tool for management of bulbar disease in ALS

In this project, Dr. Soriano will evaluate VirtualSLP, a new artificial‑intelligence (AI) platform designed to support people living with ALS who experience difficulties with speaking and swallowing. These bulbar symptoms are among the most challenging aspects of ALS, yet many people struggle to access timely and effective speech‑language pathology (SLP) care due to high caseloads, late referrals, and limited assessment tools.

VirtualSLP was created to help address these gaps, as it aims to provide remote and personalized assessments using validated AI models, helping clinicians track symptoms more efficiently and develop tailored management plans with patients and families. In her work, Dr. Soriano will test the platform in real ALS clinics, and assess whether it can be successfully integrated into multidisciplinary care. To do this, she will conduct a small, early-stage study and assess whether it is feasible to run a larger randomized controlled trial by looking at recruitment, adherence, and how well the platform’s automated measures align with clinicians’ evaluations. Finally, the project will also gather feedback and perceived barriers from clinicians, patients, and caregivers.

This research is an important step toward advancing SLP care, improving access, and ensuring people living with bulbar ALS receive timely, high‑quality support.

Dr. Soriano is a speech‑language pathologist whose clinical work with people experiencing communication difficulties inspired her passion for research. Having practiced in the Philippines and the United States, she has seen how profoundly speech and swallowing impairments, especially in ALS, affect daily life. Driven to improve access to timely, high‑quality SLP services, she aims to develop innovative tools and interventions that better serve patients and their families.

ALS Canada has long recognized that clinical care research is essential to improving the daily lives of people affected by ALS. By supporting innovations in how care is delivered and accessed, we remain committed to ensuring more equitable support for our community. Read more about other care initiatives supported, such as the first-ever ALS Canadian best practice recommendations (BPRs) .