Aphasia:

Aphasia is disorder caused by damage to the language centers of the brain. The most common cause of aphasia is stroke, however aphasia can also be caused by gunshot wounds, blows to the head, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, and other sources of brain damage. The nature of the difficulties vary from individual to individual depending on the amount and location of the damage to the brain. The degrees of severity may be mild to severe (e.g. speaking in single words or fragmented sentences or using incorrect grammar, or making up words that make no sense to the listener.

• Difficulties expressing thoughts in a clear and precise manner which may be combined with reduced coordination (apraxia) or muscle weakness (dysarthria)
• Difficulties expanding on thoughts and formulating both simple and complex thoughts (expressive language)
• Difficulties understanding what is said and following directions
• Deficits in reading
• Difficulties with written language
• Word finding problems
• Difficulties with intonation, inflection, and rate of speech
• Difficulties with abstract or ambiguous language
• Perseverating (getting stuck) on topics and or objects
• Difficulties with social communication skills

• Individualized to the clients needs
• Improving ability to communicate effectively (e.g. basic wants and needs met)
• Improving grammar, syntax and sentence formulation
• Improving ability to retrieve words
• Improving ability to understand language
• Compensatory strategies to cope with persistent deficits (e.g. expressing ideas through gestures, written language, or by using a communication aid)
• Group therapy sessions to facilitate conversational skills with others who have communiction disorders
• Exercises to strengthen weak articulatory musculature