What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a disorder stemming from damage to the language portion of the brain, usually the left side. Aphasia is a communication disorder that intereferes with the ability to process, understand or speak language. There are varying degrees of Aphasia from mild to severe. Aphasia can also cause a difficulty in reading or writing. Aphasia can occur from strokes, head injuries and from brain tumors. It is more common in adults but can also affect children. Typically Aphasia is diagnosed by a neurologist. The prognosis for Aphasia is much better in younger people. Aphasia can occur from strokes, head injuries and from brain tumors. Typically Aphasia is diagnosed by a neurologist. Prgnosis for Aphasia is much greater for younger people.
See Types of Aphasia
Academic Implications
-Sometimes both reading and writing are a weakness for students with Aphasia.
-These students will experience difficulty making themselves understood.
-Word retrieval is often a difficult chore for the student with Aphasia.
-The Aphasia student will most likely need speech and language support from the pathologist. Students with Aphasia often say 'the words just won't come, I can't think of them. One needs to be very sensitive to the emotional needs of an aphasic child, they don't like to feel that they're stupid.
Best Practices
1. Use simple, short, uncomplicated sentences to ensure maximum understanding.
2. Repeat instructions or directions and ask the student if further clarification is necessary.
3. Keep distractions to a minimum.
4. Keep conversations as normal as possible to maximize inclusion with peers.
5. Don't correct the student's speech or ask for detailed responses. Accept shorter, simpler answers
6. Allow the student plenty of time to talk.
7. Be patient!
8. Assist with coping strategies.