Aphasia and the Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist

By: Miles Sisson, MEd, CCC-SLP

Aphasia (pronounced uh-FEY-zhuh) is the medical term used to describe difficulty with the production and comprehension of language. This can occur after a stroke or other injury to the brain. In addition to speaking, aphasia can also affect listening, reading, and writing. Individuals with aphasia may experience trouble finding the right words and producing intact sentences, which can impact their ability to express themselves as well as having trouble understanding what others are saying to them. In the most severe cases, a person with aphasia may be non-verbal, meaning they are not able to speak at all.

Individuals with aphasia can benefit from skilled services provided by a speech-language pathologist, or SLP. SLPs are licensed healthcare providers who have extensive training in treating communication disorders and, at minimum, hold a master’s degree in the field. The role of a SLP is to evaluate an individual to determine what their communication strengths and weaknesses are as well as determine the most effective means of communication. A SLP will construct a therapy plan to help the individual improve their communication skills and implement strategies to compensate for communication difficulties.

A SLP aims to maximize the benefit of therapy by focusing on communication of needs, wants, and ideas that are personally relevant and meaningful to the individual with aphasia. For example, this may consist of helping a grandparent communicate with their grandchildren, an avid sports fan talk about their team, or a social butterfly re-join their church group.

Depending on the specific needs of the individual with aphasia, a SLP may incorporate assistive devices to facilitate communication. These assistive devices range from pictures and words on a board to computerized speech-generating devices. A SLP will also provide education and training to the family and/or caregiver(s) of an individual with aphasia, including the best ways to help support communication and how to help complete therapeutic exercises.

Speech-language pathologists can follow individuals at each stage of the recovery process. From an acute care hospital setting to an outpatient facility after discharging home, SLPs help individuals work toward their communication goals.

To schedule a consultation with a speech-language pathologist at Sheltering Arms Institute, please call (804) 764-1000 or visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Q&A: What to Expect When Facing an Upper or Lower Limb Amputation

In the United States alone, approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year, and 2 million people are living with limb loss. In recognition of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this article addresses common questions surrounding limb loss, from the reasons for amputation to returning to favorite activities following surgery. An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, usually an arm or leg. There are three main reasons for amputation.

The Interdisciplinary Approach in Rehabilitation to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million people in the United States alone. MS is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin insulation that surrounds the nerves in the central nervous system. This damage causes widespread symptoms varying in severity, including fatigue, weakness, sensation loss, visual impairments, and walking and balance impairments. These symptoms of MS can impact someone’s mobility, quality of life, ability to work and provide for their family, relationships, and community participation. Because these symptoms can impact so many aspects of a person’s life, a rehabilitative care team should consist of multiple disciplines that work together to provide a collaborative, all-encompassing care plan, called interdisciplinary care.

9 Ways to Improve Sleep After a Concussion

After a concussion, there are a lot of common misconceptions about sleep. Mainly, is it safe to sleep following this mild traumatic brain injury? The answer is yes – it is okay to sleep after a concussion! This misconception stems from an out-of-date recommendation to wake the person up every hour to check on them. However, that is only if there is concern about the risk for a brain hemorrhage or bleed that wasn’t immediately apparent.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.