Supporting Communication for Adults with Acute and Chronic Aphasia

Nina Simmons-Mackie, Ph.D., BC-ANCDS, Julia King Fischer, Ph.D., David R. Beukelman, Ph.D.

This comprehensive text arms SLPs and other service providers with research-based strategies, supports, and technologies that improve outcomes for adults with chronic or acute aphasia.

How can SLPs and other practitioners provide the best supports for adults with aphasia—and help them make a successful return to daily life? Clear answers are in this comprehensive text, the definitive guide to research-based strategies, supports, and technologies that improve outcomes for adults with chronic or acute aphasia.

Introducing a unique approach to aphasia treatment, this book goes far beyond coverage of AAC devices, revealing innovative ways to educate families and communities about the needs of people with aphasia and encourage ongoing participation in everyday life. SLPs, OTs, PTs, and other service providers will get the foundational knowledge they need to:

• leverage today's technology—both electronic and non-electronic options—to support communication
• ensure effective communication support across all healthcare settings and stages of recovery
• implement therapeutic assessments that involve patients as proactive partners in their rehabilitation
• weave communication supports into inpatient and outpatient therapy
• conduct aphasia treatment in small groups to enhance communication and reduce social isolation
• support participation in everyday situations, including self-care, leisure activities, and interpersonal interactions
• strengthen social relationships by training the communication partners of people with aphasia
• maintain ongoing, long-term communication support that adapts to changing needs

An ideal textbook for graduate courses on aphasia—and an indispensable resource for practicing SLPs and other service providers—this book will help professionals strengthen the communication skills, social competence, and life satisfaction of people with aphasia.

Includes brief, instructive case studies and quick-reference lists of communication strategies and supports

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Reviews

Kristine Lundgren, Associate Professor and Department Chair, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

"This book will become required reading, to accompany an adult language disorders text, in my aphasia course."

Jane Wegner, Clinical Professor and Clinic Director, Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, University of Kansas

"Presents a broadened view of aphasia . . . rich with personal stories, examples of strategies, and resources that will be appreciated by both students and practitioners."

Linda Worrall, Director, NHMRC CCRE in Aphasia Rehabilitation, The University of Queensland, Australia

"This book takes AAC in aphasia into a new stratosphere . . . A must-read for any aphasia therapist who hopes to improve the lives of their patients."

Emma Power, MSPAA, Lecturer, Neurogenic Communication Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney

"A unique resource written by authorities in the field . . . essential reading for any clinician, lecturer and student who is determined to support a successful life for people with aphasia and their loved ones."

Aura Kagan, Executive Director, Director of Education and Applied Research, Aphasia Institute, Toronto, Canada

"A welcome and long overdue addition to the aphasia literature . . . Practice based on the principles contained in this book can change the face of aphasia treatment!"

Melanie Fried-Oken, Professor, Oregon Health & Science University

"A speech-language pathologist and aphasiologist can no longer say, 'I don't do AAC.' The authors redefine aphasia management and show us that communication supports can be applied in every area, from assessment and treatment to policy and advocacy for all. A must-read."

Ellayne Ganzfried, ASHA Fellow, Executive Director, National Aphasia Association

"A wealth of practical and relevant information on intervention with the ultimate goal of living successfully with aphasia. [This book] should be used by anyone interested in addressing the needs of people with aphasia and their families."

Volume Editors: Nina Simmons-Mackie Ph.D., BC-ANCDS, Julia King Fischer Ph.D., David R. Beukelman Ph.D. Foreword Author: Audrey L. Holland Ph.D. Chapter Authors: Nancy B. Alarcon M.S., CCC-SLP, Kyla Brown Ph.D., Natalie F. Douglas Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Roberta J. Elman Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Rachel A. Goff M.S., CCC-SLP, Brooke Grohn, Judy Harvey M.S., Deborah Hersh Ph.D., Jacqueline J. Hinckley Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Elizabeth Hoover M.S., CCC-SLP, Jennifer Horner Ph.D., J.D., Erline V. Nakano M.S., Robyn O'Halloran Ph.D., Amy Rodriguez Ph.D., Sarah Taylor, Cara Ullman, Kristy S.E. Weissling SLP.D., Linda Worrall Ph.D.

Read an excerpt

Communication Support for Everyday Life Situations