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

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