Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that are responsible for expressive language, receptive language, or both. Both types of aphasia cause communication difficulties, but presentation, recovery and treatment varies based on the parts of the brain that were impacted.
Aphasia Symptoms
Depending on the location of the damaged area, aphasia symptoms could present themselves as communication difficulties with:
- Reading/Writing
- Problem Solving
- Math
- Understanding or expressing speech
Aphasia Treatment
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) plays an essential and integral role in screening, assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals with aphasia. Following a comprehensive assessment, the SLP will create speech therapy goals customized to the individual’s needs. Treatment for aphasia varies depending on aphasia causes, symptoms, and the types of aphasia experienced. Therapy will typically focus on restoring or improving the damaged functions or focus on compensating the damaged functions.
Aphasia Therapy Options
While difficulties can range from being mild to significant; aphasia is a disorder of communication, not intelligence. With this in mind, the SLP will work with both the individual and their family to pursue the best treatment option for them. Examples of therapy options include but are not limited to Constraint-induced therapy (CIT), PACE therapy (Promoting Aphasic’s Communicative Effectiveness), utilizing Aphasia apps, and engaging in scripted conversation.
Benefits of Speech Therapy for Adults with Aphasia
- Finding new ways to effectively communicate
- Increase communication confidence
- Improve word-finding abilities
- Create ways to meaningfully engage in social activities
What You Can do to Help Adults with Aphasia
Family and/or caregiver involvement often plays a critical role in aphasia treatment as well. Helpful methods during this time of communicative change include:
- Eliminating loud/background noises
- Simplifying language
- Utilizing calendars/planners/photo books
- Avoiding correcting speech
Conclusion
While any change in communication can be difficult for an individual and their family, take solace in the fact that with therapy, improvement can happen over time. Additional resources about research and treatment are a short click away, and there are organizations that offer support for individuals with aphasia or their loved ones. If you are an individual with aphasia who is interested in speech therapy, Optimal Home Rehab would gladly join your rehabilitation team!
While COVID-19 has presented many challenges to health care, you do not have to leave the safety and comfort of your home to seek outpatient therapy. Outpatient in home therapy fills the gap between home health and an outpatient clinic. While finding quality care can be difficult, Optimal Home Rehab, LLC is committed to clinical excellence, quality care and personalized services for adults. That is why patients and agencies alike continue to choose us for their therapy needs.
Optimal Home Rehab, LLC offers in home outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in Philadelphia, PA. Outpatient in home therapy fills the gap between a home health and an outpatient clinic, that is especially prevalent during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Schedule an appointment today.
SPEECH THERAPY IS HERE TO HELP
If you or a loved one are looking for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy services and would prefer the therapist to come to your home, look no further. We provide one-on-one care in the privacy of your home with no added expense. Our prices are the same as going to an outpatient practice, but can be performed in the safety of your home. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
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