How effective are treatments for aphasia?
ASHA produced a treatment efficacy summary on aphasia [PDF] that describes evidence about how well treatment works. This summary is useful not only to individuals with aphasia and caregivers but also to insurance companies considering payment for much needed services for aphasia.
What does a speech-language pathologist do when working with individuals with aphasia?
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) works on drills and exercises to improve specific language skills affected by damage to the brain. For example, the person may practice naming objects, following directions, or answering questions about stories. These exercises vary depending on individual needs and become more complex and challenging as skills improve.
The SLP also teaches the person ways to make use of stronger language skills. For example, some people may find it easier to express their ideas through gestures and writing than with speaking. The SLP may teach this person to use both writing and gestures to help remember words for conversation.
The person may participate in group therapy sessions to practice conversational skills with other persons with aphasia. The SLP may lead the group through structured discussions, focusing on improving initiation of conversation, turn-taking, and repairing conversational breakdowns. Group members may role-play common communication situations that take place in the community and at home, such as talking on the telephone, ordering a meal in a restaurant, and talking to a salesperson at a store.
Eventually, individuals may participate in outings to practice communicating in real-life situations. They may be asked to plan, organize, and carry out these trips using the compensatory strategies they have learned. For example, group members may practice functional reading and writing skills by using a telephone book to find the phone number of a restaurant and write it down. They may practice telephone skills by calling the restaurant and making a reservation. They may practice reading maps, taking public transportation to the restaurant, counting the change needed to purchase a ticket, and ordering food.
Later on in recovery, the SLP may work with a vocational specialist to help the person return to work or school, if appropriate. The SLP works with employers and/or educational specialists to implement the use of compensatory strategies in these settings and may work with them to modify the environment to meet language needs.
The Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders & Sciences (ANCDS) has published practice guidelines for aphasia.
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