Speech & Language Therapy Following A Stroke, Aphasia or Brain Injury

As defined by the National Aphasia Association, aphasia is "the impairment of the ability to use or comprehend words, usually acquired as a result of a stroke or other brain injury". Some individuals with aphasia have deficits with expressive aphasia (what is said) and others with receptive language (what is understood). In some cases, both expressive language and receptive language are significantly impaired. The severity of expressive aphasia can range from a person with severe aphasia having difficulty expressing single words to someone with mild aphasia being able to carry on a conversation with only occasional word finding problems (anomia).

Who are these videos for?

These videos were designed by a speech-language pathologist specifically for individuals with moderate to severe expressive aphasia. This means the individual has difficulty expressing single words (such as naming objects or saying someone's name) and/or short phrases. This individual may or may not be able to say common or automatic phrases such as "thank you" or "hello" but overall has significant word finding deficits.

Will these videos conflict with my current speech therapy?

Absolutely not. In fact, these videos was created for an individual with aphasia to use as a supplement to speech therapy. These videos can be viewed on the individuals "off" days from therapy to help carry over progress from one session to the next. A speech-language pathologist designed these videos incorporating actual therapy techniques often used in therapy sessions for aphasia.

My mother's insurance for speech therapy has run out and she is not eligible for therapy any longer. Could these videos be beneficial for her?

Definitely. As mentioned before, these videos uses actual therapy techniques often used in speech therapy sessions. Although these videos were not created to replace therapy with a licensed speech-language pathologist, they can be valuable tools if it is the only means for therapy due to reasons such as insurance limitations.

What is the advantage of a video or DVD over computer therapy programs?

Although some computer programs are available for aphasia, most patients need something less complex and less physically demanding than using a mouse and keyboard. The ease and simplicity of these videos answer this need. With a video, minimal assistance is required of the patient or caregiver. Just place the video or DVD in the player and you can receive countless therapy sessions for a one time low cost. Other advantages are that the individual can move at his or her own pace and therapy can be repeated time and again in a variety of locations. We also found that many people do not own or are not comfortable with a computer, which also limited their options.

Are these videos just for people who have had a stroke?

No. Although stroke is the leading cause of aphasia, it can be caused by other means such as a brain tumor, fall, gunshot wound, or other trauma to the brain.

How often should these videos be watched?

There is no set frequency for watching these videos. However it is recommended for optimal results to view them 3-5 times a week. For example, if receiving speech therapy services 3 times a week, watch them on the days between the therapy sessions. If not receiving speech therapy services, it may be more beneficial to view them more often such as 5 days a week.

The purpose of these videos is to enhance communication skills at a word level and short phrase level. Once the point has been reached where cues are not needed to name simple objects and production of simple phrases has improved, the goal of these videos have been achieved. The length of time needed to achieve this goal varies from person to person.

My father had a stroke two years ago. Is he still a candidate for these videos?

Although it is believed that the quickest progress is made within the first year after the stroke, progress can still be made after this time period. Our videos can be beneficial in helping a person progress with his communication skills even at the two-year mark. However, do not overlook the importance of sessions with a licensed speech-language pathologist as your primary source of therapy if available, as they are trained to evaluate and develop a treatment plan that is specific for each individual affected by aphasia.

I'm still not sure if my husband is a candidate for these videos. How can I be sure?

You can contact us by email at help@communicationpartner.com and inquire about your specific case. A licensed Speech-Language Pathologist will answer your questions and help you decide if your loved one could benefit from these videos.

FAQ's