It is amazing how many phone calls I receive with people saying "I had never heard of aphasia until my husband (or wife, sister, brother, mother, etc.) was diagnosed with it". The truth is you don't hear the word "aphasia" in the newspaper or in the news or in everyday conversation. This is unfortunate. Aphasia affects approximately 1 million Americans and is more prevalent than Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy. Yet, most people know about those diseases. Why is "aphasia" so not known?? My husband showed me an article in the Fortune magazine yesterday about a very successful businessman who had a stroke. It told how the stroke affected his right side of his body and that he couldn't get his words out anymore. It told what a difficult time he had communicating verbally and the struggles he went through during his recovery. But not once did the word "aphasia" occur in the entire article.
Another example is Senator Giffords who suffered a gunshot wound to the head earlier this year. Her horrible story was all over the news for months, following her progress step by step. Although she had all the symptoms of aphasia described in the newspaper articles and on the news, again I never heard the mention of "aphasia".
This is why no one has heard of aphasia. I wish I knew why the media stays clear of the word. It would be helpful to others if it were discussed more so people could learn about it before it affected their lives. Keep your eyes and ears open for aphasia in the media. I would love to hear back if anyone sees or hears of it.
Showing posts with label expressive aphasia therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label expressive aphasia therapy. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What is Expressive Aphasia?
I spoke with a man last week that had called me to talk about my speech therapy programs for stroke survivors. He told me that he was buying the dvds for a friend who had a stroke about 2 years ago. So, I asked him to describe his friend.
He said, "I don't think he has Aphasia...He is totally with it. He just got his driver's license two weeks ago... He can walk and he takes care of himself... He understands everything you say to him... He just can't say more than a couple of words."
Little did he know but he had just described "expressive aphasia". People think that since their loved one's cognition is intact then he or she is not aphasic. It is important to remember that its not the individual's intelligence that has been affected but instead it is their language skills. Expressive aphasia is merely demonstrated by knowing what you want to say but not being able to get the words out due to the part of the brain affected. So is it possible for a person to drive, take care of himself, and walk independently yet still have aphasia? Absolutely.
He said, "I don't think he has Aphasia...He is totally with it. He just got his driver's license two weeks ago... He can walk and he takes care of himself... He understands everything you say to him... He just can't say more than a couple of words."
Little did he know but he had just described "expressive aphasia". People think that since their loved one's cognition is intact then he or she is not aphasic. It is important to remember that its not the individual's intelligence that has been affected but instead it is their language skills. Expressive aphasia is merely demonstrated by knowing what you want to say but not being able to get the words out due to the part of the brain affected. So is it possible for a person to drive, take care of himself, and walk independently yet still have aphasia? Absolutely.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Engage, Challenge, and Have Fun
Helping someone with Aphasia can be tiresome. Recovery is hard work. Some days are better than others.
During the recovery process, it is important to continue to challenge your stroke survivor. I have a couple of ideas that might be fun and will require time spent together (or in a group, maybe).
Find a topic (hobby) that your Aphasic person likes. Try to craft a word naming game around that topic while working on something together.
For example, if your loved one likes to cook, cook something together. While preparing the meal, choose an ingredient - like pasta. Put together a list of food dishes that contain pasta - ie. spaghetti, lasagna, manicotti. Or list the different types of pasta - ie. vermicelli, penne, spaghetti. You don't need to write anything down. Keep it casual. Have fun with it.
If your loved one likes cars, go for a drive together. While driving choose a manufacturer - like Ford. Try to name all the Ford models you can see - ie. Taurus, Explorer, F-150 (that is a mouthful). Again, keep it casual and have fun.
You can make bets with each other on who can name the most. The point is to engage with one another and challenge the aphasic while having fun. If you can do that, you will really be doing something.
During the recovery process, it is important to continue to challenge your stroke survivor. I have a couple of ideas that might be fun and will require time spent together (or in a group, maybe).
Find a topic (hobby) that your Aphasic person likes. Try to craft a word naming game around that topic while working on something together.
For example, if your loved one likes to cook, cook something together. While preparing the meal, choose an ingredient - like pasta. Put together a list of food dishes that contain pasta - ie. spaghetti, lasagna, manicotti. Or list the different types of pasta - ie. vermicelli, penne, spaghetti. You don't need to write anything down. Keep it casual. Have fun with it.
If your loved one likes cars, go for a drive together. While driving choose a manufacturer - like Ford. Try to name all the Ford models you can see - ie. Taurus, Explorer, F-150 (that is a mouthful). Again, keep it casual and have fun.
You can make bets with each other on who can name the most. The point is to engage with one another and challenge the aphasic while having fun. If you can do that, you will really be doing something.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Resources to Help Find a Support Group close to You
Many times help is closer than you may think. If you are looking for an Aphasia Support Group and don't know where to find one I have a couple of suggestions.
Go to http://www.aphasia.org/aphasia_community/aphasia_community_groups.html. This link is posted on the National Aphasia Associaton's website. Look for your state and see if a chapter exists close to where you may live.
Another idea is to visit http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_groups. This link is for Stroke Support Groups which is different than an Aphasia support group. But you may find these helpful as well.
Local support groups are great. I visit several in my local area throughout the year and they are great for survivors and caregivers. Check them out.
Go to http://www.aphasia.org/aphasia_community/aphasia_community_groups.html. This link is posted on the National Aphasia Associaton's website. Look for your state and see if a chapter exists close to where you may live.
Another idea is to visit http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_groups. This link is for Stroke Support Groups which is different than an Aphasia support group. But you may find these helpful as well.
Local support groups are great. I visit several in my local area throughout the year and they are great for survivors and caregivers. Check them out.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Persistence Pays
Persistence pays off when it comes to Aphasia Therapy. I know that sounds like such a cliche, but the fact is true.
Tonight, I spoke to a woman who had bought Communication Partner's Level 1 DVDs for her son. She called to order the Level 2 programs. Her son has been watching the video programs everyday for the last 3 months and has seen some real progress in his aphasia recovery.
Quite frankly, I would have a hard time watching those DVDs everyday and I created them. Therapy is hard work and requires persistence and perserverance. This man has seen benefits slowly over the course of time by doing simple (perhaps boring) tasks on a daily basis.
If you or a loved one are trying to recover from Aphasia, be persistent. Progress takes time. If you can encourage someone with aphasia, do it. Therapy is tough. Encouragement always helps.
For more information on Communication Partner's DVDs, go to http://www.communicationpartner.com/. These programs have helped people all over the world.
Tonight, I spoke to a woman who had bought Communication Partner's Level 1 DVDs for her son. She called to order the Level 2 programs. Her son has been watching the video programs everyday for the last 3 months and has seen some real progress in his aphasia recovery.
Quite frankly, I would have a hard time watching those DVDs everyday and I created them. Therapy is hard work and requires persistence and perserverance. This man has seen benefits slowly over the course of time by doing simple (perhaps boring) tasks on a daily basis.
If you or a loved one are trying to recover from Aphasia, be persistent. Progress takes time. If you can encourage someone with aphasia, do it. Therapy is tough. Encouragement always helps.
For more information on Communication Partner's DVDs, go to http://www.communicationpartner.com/. These programs have helped people all over the world.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Need for Stimulation
Yesterday I spoke to a woman regarding her mother in law. The family thought that the mother had recovered as much as she could and yet she was still unable to say single words.
The mother in law was no longer receiving any speech therapy, due to insurance limitations. The mother in law was fully aware of what was being said to her, but she could not respond with words - this is expressive aphasia. It seems that most of the family is okay with this situation.
The woman I spoke to wanted to do more for her mother in law, but was confused on what options were available.
There are many options available. My first suggestion was to find an Aphasia Support Group.
Other suggestions would be to find some Aphasia Therapy on video (see my site at http://www.communicationpartner.com/) or on software packages ( see http://www.parrotsoftware.com/ or http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/). Find some photos of family members and practice saying names. Find photos of well known places or things and help practice saying those words.
I think the most important thing is to provide Stimulation. Recovery is not static. Recovery is either moving forward or back, but it never stands still.
Let me know if you have other suggestions.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
How long does Recovery Take?
Last Friday I spoke at a Stroke Survivor's Club meeting. I spoke about aphasia and other speech therapy related topics.
The talk went well and at the end I opened the floor for questions. One of my first questions was from a lady (sitting next to her daughter) who had suffered a stroke 1.5 years ago.
Her question was, "How long does it take to fully recover from a stroke?". I looked at her and her daughter and said you both know the answer. I am sure you have heard it before.
The answer is - Recovery time is different for each individual.
No one and I mean no one can tell you how long recovery will take and to what extent full recovery can be achieved. The second part of that sentence is really important.
I spoke to someone yesterday who told me that a doctor had told them that their mother was too far post stroke to benefit from speech therapy. I disagree.
No one knows to what extent recovery can be made and no one knows how much time is required to achieve a full recovery.
The talk went well and at the end I opened the floor for questions. One of my first questions was from a lady (sitting next to her daughter) who had suffered a stroke 1.5 years ago.
Her question was, "How long does it take to fully recover from a stroke?". I looked at her and her daughter and said you both know the answer. I am sure you have heard it before.
The answer is - Recovery time is different for each individual.
No one and I mean no one can tell you how long recovery will take and to what extent full recovery can be achieved. The second part of that sentence is really important.
I spoke to someone yesterday who told me that a doctor had told them that their mother was too far post stroke to benefit from speech therapy. I disagree.
No one knows to what extent recovery can be made and no one knows how much time is required to achieve a full recovery.
Monday, May 31, 2010
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. The National Aphasia Association has designated June as a time to highlight this language disorder faced by approximately 1 million Americans.
If you have found this article, you are probably very aware of the affects of Aphasia and do not need anyone to highlight this language disorder.
I work with Aphasic persons everyday. I know firsthand that Aphasia affects the communication and not the intellect of the person suffering from Aphasia.
Please help me this month to inform the American public of what Aphasia is and is not.
Please tell people that Aphasia affects about 1 million Americans. Anyone can experience aphasia. Aphasia cannot be prevented. Currently, there is no 'cure' for Aphasia. Speech therapy can help, but the therapy does not guarantee a cure.
Most importantly, tell the public that persons suffering from Aphasia are Okay. Please tell people to allow a little more time to speak to persons with Aphasia.
Ask people to talk to Aphasic persons as much as they can. If this would happen, June would be a happier month for everyone. Happy June!
Kimberly Robbins, MS CCC-SLP,
http://www.communicationpartner.com/
If you have found this article, you are probably very aware of the affects of Aphasia and do not need anyone to highlight this language disorder.
I work with Aphasic persons everyday. I know firsthand that Aphasia affects the communication and not the intellect of the person suffering from Aphasia.
Please help me this month to inform the American public of what Aphasia is and is not.
Please tell people that Aphasia affects about 1 million Americans. Anyone can experience aphasia. Aphasia cannot be prevented. Currently, there is no 'cure' for Aphasia. Speech therapy can help, but the therapy does not guarantee a cure.
Most importantly, tell the public that persons suffering from Aphasia are Okay. Please tell people to allow a little more time to speak to persons with Aphasia.
Ask people to talk to Aphasic persons as much as they can. If this would happen, June would be a happier month for everyone. Happy June!
Kimberly Robbins, MS CCC-SLP,
http://www.communicationpartner.com/
Thursday, January 21, 2010
How much Therapy is needed to Recover?
How much speech therapy is needed to recover from Aphasia? That is the magic question.
Of course, each individual is different and rates of recovery will always vary. But in my experience talking to individuals across the country, few people are getting more than an hour or two of therapy per week. In most cases, that is just not enough therapy.
So, how much is enough?
I still haven't answered the title question. I know each of us wants a concrete answer. But, I would say that you need enough therapy to get you back to a level of functionality that enables you to enjoy life.
Of course, each individual is different and rates of recovery will always vary. But in my experience talking to individuals across the country, few people are getting more than an hour or two of therapy per week. In most cases, that is just not enough therapy.
So, how much is enough?
- Some researchers say that an Aphasic person should receive at least 9 hours of therapy per week until 'fully' recovered.
- Some researchers propose short bursts of intense therapy such as 3 hours of language training per day for 10 day sessions. In short, no conclusive answer exists.
Aphasia survivors and caregivers need to realize a couple of realities. These cold realities can be hard to accept.
- First, progress can and does happen after the first six months. No matter what anyone may tell you, progress can be made even years after a stroke or brain injury.
- Secondly, progress depends on you. Healthcare providers can only assist and encourage you. They are not responsible for recovery. You are.
I still haven't answered the title question. I know each of us wants a concrete answer. But, I would say that you need enough therapy to get you back to a level of functionality that enables you to enjoy life.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Aphasia Isolates People
According to a 2004 survey conducted by the National Aphasia Association (http://www.aphasia.org/), people with Aphasia feel isolated and therefore isolate themselves from others.
The survey respondents said the following:
95% said people with Aphasia tend to feel isolated because of their Aphasia
97% said people tend to avoid people with Aphasia all or some of the time
40% of people with Aphasia had no contact with others with Aphasia
If any of the above statements describe you or your loved one suffering from Aphasia, please realize that you are not alone.
The last statement regarding the 40% of people with Aphasia that have no contact with others suffering from Aphasia is most troubling to me. If you are a caregiver to someone with Aphasia, please, please try to get them to an Aphasia support group. If you live in a metro area, you can probably find a group. If you live in a less populated area, look online.
Go to the National Aphasia Association website (http://www.aphasia.org/) to find someone in your area to help.
Your goal as caregiver should be to re-integrate your loved one into our communication-filled society.
You will probably need to take 'baby steps', but you must take steps. As you know, trying new things can be awkward, intimidating, and stressful, but this process is vitally important to the recovery process of your loved one.
I wish you the very best in your efforts!
Visit my website, http://www.communicationpartner.com/, if you need more aphasia therapy for expressive aphasia. We produce aphasia therapy on DVDs for effective, easy to use therapy solutions.
The survey respondents said the following:
95% said people with Aphasia tend to feel isolated because of their Aphasia
97% said people tend to avoid people with Aphasia all or some of the time
40% of people with Aphasia had no contact with others with Aphasia
If any of the above statements describe you or your loved one suffering from Aphasia, please realize that you are not alone.
The last statement regarding the 40% of people with Aphasia that have no contact with others suffering from Aphasia is most troubling to me. If you are a caregiver to someone with Aphasia, please, please try to get them to an Aphasia support group. If you live in a metro area, you can probably find a group. If you live in a less populated area, look online.
Go to the National Aphasia Association website (http://www.aphasia.org/) to find someone in your area to help.
Your goal as caregiver should be to re-integrate your loved one into our communication-filled society.
You will probably need to take 'baby steps', but you must take steps. As you know, trying new things can be awkward, intimidating, and stressful, but this process is vitally important to the recovery process of your loved one.
I wish you the very best in your efforts!
Visit my website, http://www.communicationpartner.com/, if you need more aphasia therapy for expressive aphasia. We produce aphasia therapy on DVDs for effective, easy to use therapy solutions.
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