Aphasia tools for communication

Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read and write. The National Aphasia Association explains that aphasia is always due to some sort of brain injury. The most common aphasia-causing brain injury is stroke, particularly with older adults. It can also arise from head injuries or brain tumors.

This video, from the National Aphasia Association, offers and brief and helpful description of aphasia and some tips for speaking with someone who has aphasia:. The most important thing to remember when communicating with someone who suffers from aphasia is patience. A person with aphasia has not lost any intelligence, only the ability to communicate. It may take them longer to formulate a response. Use simple, short sentences, and speak in a quiet location with few or no distractions.

Download Free Aphasia Guide. A person with aphasia may need communication tools to assist them with everyday tasks. Luckily there are a variety of aphasia apps that can be used by sufferers and their caregivers to facilitate communication. A comprehensive list of apps designed to assist aphasia sufferers can be found here. Lingraphica offers a variety of resources, apps, and devices that can help people with aphasia and their loved ones. Other components of a complete evaluation include:.

Formal assessments are important tools for establishing the type and severity of aphasia. They can provide a baseline level of functioning that can be used to measure improvement. By using these tools, the SLP can determine where to start in identifying therapy goals that will be motivating to the client. Setting goals based on deficits can be discouraging.

Encouraging clients to think about the possibilities that exist can lead to hope and constructive planning. Consider asking open-ended questions such as:. Some clients might need assistance from family to answer these questions.

Completing less formal questionnaires and engaging in informal conversation leads to a more comprehensive assessment. This not only gives you as the SLP more thorough information, but also allows you to collaborate with your client to set goals and therapy tasks that will be meaningful and motivating.

It works well for people with aphasia , who often describe the condition as like being in a foreign country where they can't speak the language and where no one understands them.

Smartphones and tablets can be great communication tools for people with aphasia. In addition to apps, a lot of smartphones and tablets have built-in features that could be useful communication tools such as:. The Aphasia Software Finder can help you find the right app for you. When considering software or Apps, the advice of a suitably experienced Speech and Language Therapist is recommended. Going online can keep you informed. It can help you stay in touch and help you communicate. It can also help you gain independence and it can be fun.

This guide to getting online has information to help you get online and use technology. You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone to make a video call. People with aphasia often find video calling better than a phone call. These guides for people with aphasia will help you use Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp. Total Communication - Total communication uses a variety of methods such as gesture, sign, drawing, facial expression and mime.

It's based on the idea that any means of communication is valuable as long as it works. Activities that do not rely on speech - If your relative or friend has difficulty speaking, they're likely to find conversation tiring. It may be helpful to spend some time doing things together that don't require much speech. Angus Igwe won a Life After Stroke Award for art after he lost most of his words following a stroke:. Our services and groups provide local support to people who have aphasia in many areas.

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