Communication Disorders

Definition: Aphasia is defined as an impairment that affects language, reading, and writing. This person may have trouble reading, writing, talking, listening, ect. Aphasia is caused by damage to the left hemisphere of the brain. This can be caused suddenly as result of a stroke or trauma, or it can occur slowly by tumors, infection, or dementia. Anyone can be diagnosed with aphasia; it affects men and women the same. Aphasia can be cured or it can be permanent. There are two types of aphasia: fluent and non-fluent. The fluent aphasia is called Wernicke’s aphasia. This is usually caused by damage in the temporal lobe. With this type, people usually speak in long sentences that don’t make sense, add words, or even make up words. They are usually unaware that they are very hard to understand. There are two types of non-fluent aphasia: Broca’s aphasia and global aphasia. Broca’s aphasia is characterized by short sentences that make sense, but key words such as “is” and “the” are omitted. They can understand other’s speech well, and get very frustrated because they are aware that they don’t make sense. They also have right-sided weakness or their right arm and leg can be paralyzed. The second type of non-fluent aphasia is global aphasia. It is the most severe type and one may not be able to speak or understand any language.

Implications: To teach someone with aphasia, I would first have to research and know more about aphasia. Also, because each case is different, it would be nice to have spent some one on one time with them. I would then proceed to get the child an IEP so we could work with speech pathologists and get whatever needs possible. First thing, because they may have difficulty speaking, I would give them plenty of time to finish sentences. Also, I would not try to finish what they are trying to say or give them the words unless they ask. It is important for them to be able to do it by themselves. I would try to diminish all outside and unnecessary noises. This would make it easier for them to hear and understand themselves and others. If he/she were having trouble speaking or understanding, we could use pictures, cards, diagrams, gestures, ect. to communicate. To make sure that we were able to communicate and understand each other, I would say yes or nod my head and ask them yes or no questions when I speak.

Specific Technology:

Computers: Individuals with aphasia may be able to use computers to communicate better.

“Computers Made Easy’: Because people with aphasia may have more problems, and some may be young, there is a guide designed to help these individuals and their caregivers better communicate and use computers.

Augmentative Communication Devices: These are any kind of aid for people with aphasia. They can be alphabet boards or even a computer ran by the blink of an eye.

Annotated Bibliography:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1997). Aphasia. What is Aphasia? Retrieved March 21, 2009 from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia.htm#tx.

This association provided information about aphasia and what a person might go through with aphasia. It was very descriptive in the kind of deficits one might have with aphasia.

NIDCD Information Clearinghouse. (2008). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Aphasia. Retrieved March 21, 2009 from http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/aphasia.htm.

This institute put together a very informative website. There was plenty of information on the definition and it provided great detail on the different types of aphasia.

Office of Communications and Public Liaison. (2008). NINDS Information Page. Aphasia. Retrieved March 20, 2009 from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/aphasia/aphasia.htm.

This website provided basic information about aphasia. It gave the definition, causes, and prognosis.

Rowlinson, J. (2009). Speech Disorder. Aphasia. Retrieved March 20, 2009 from http://www.speechdisorder.co.uk/Aphasia.html.

This article gave some basic information on aphasia. It defined aphasia, gave some causes, and spoke about how to communicate with aphasia.

The National Aphasia Association. (2009). Aphasia. Technology Resource Information. Retrieved March 21, 2009 from http://www.aphasia.org/naa_materials/technology_resource_information.html.

This article provided information about what technology is available for people with communication disorders. It gave a detailed explanation about how computers could be used. It also gave ideas on how to communicate with aphasia.