Aphasia Best Practices

Question 1

(TRUE or FALSE) Pts w/ brain damage or progressive brain disease do not need to be screened for communication deficits

Answer 1

False; all pts w/ brain damage or progressive brain disease should be screened for communication deficits

Question 2

(T or F) People w/ aphasia should receive information regarding aphasia, etiologies of aphasia and options for treatment only at the acute stage

Answer 2

False; people w/ aphasia should receive info regarding aphasia, etiologies of aphasia, and options for treatment throughout all stages of healthcare, from acute to chronic

Question 3

(T or F) Persons w/ aphasia can be discharged without a communication aid

Answer 3

false; no one w/ aphasia should be discharged from services w/o some means of communicating his or her needs & wishes (i.e., using aaa, supports, trained partners) or a documented plan for how and when this will be achieved

Question 4

Possible interventions for aphasia can include

Answer 4

• impairment-oriented therapy
• compensatory training
• conversation therapy
• functional/participation oriented therapy
• environmental intervention
• training in communication supports or AAC

Question 5

Modes of delivery for aphasia can include

Answer 5

individual tx, group tx, telerehabilitation, or computer-assisted tx

Question 6

(T or F) Only pts with a aphasia due to stable form of brain damage (i.e., stroke) can benefit from intervention

Answer 6

False; individuals w/ aphasia due to stable and progressive forms of brain damage can benefit from intervention

Question 7

(T or F) individuals w/ aphasia can only benefit from intervention in the acute phase

Answer 7

False; individuals w/ aphasia can benefit from intervention in the acute and chronic phases

Question 8

(T or F) Communication partner training is not necessary in aphasia intervention

Answer 8

False; Communication partner training should be provided; families, caregivers, and other providers working w/ the person with aphasia should learn to communicate w/ the person w/ aphasia

Question 9

(T or F) Educational materials do not need to be modified for persons w/ aphasia

Answer 9

False; Info intended for people w/ aphasia should be available in aphasia-friendly/ communicatively-accessible formats

Question 10

3 components of the ICF

Answer 10

Body Structure & Function
Activities (environmental factors/personal factors)
Participation