Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often recommend an AAC or speech-generating device to individuals with moderate to severe aphasia. Although the benefits of these devices are well established, individuals and caregivers often draw their own conclusions without consulting the SLP. For example, caregivers may mistakenly believe that an AAC device is the proverbial “end of the road” and that their loved one will never improve. However, research and clinical experience show just the opposite.
Myth #1: Using an AAC Communication Device Will Prevent or Slow Natural Speech.
Reality: AAC-specific research shows using an AAC device does not stop or deter the progression or recovery of natural speech. Recovery is an ongoing process, and active and purposeful engagement by both the person with aphasia and their caregiver is crucial. For many people with aphasia, a communication device is an important component in the ongoing rehabilitation process. The right device can be used to facilitate the use of verbal language and even help to restore a person’s verbal skills so that they can speak for themselves.
Myth #2: Using an AAC Communication Device Will Instantly Fix Everything.
Reality: AAC communication devices will not instantly help the person with aphasia regain their natural speech. Integrating a communication device into everyday life is a process that takes time, patience, practice, and support. But the work is well worth it. Once learned, a communication device can significantly change a person’s life by allowing them to communicate more freely and helping them to regain their relationships and independence.
Myth #3: As Long as I Understand Him or Her, We Don’t Need a Device.
Reality: Caregivers often believe that as long as they understand the person, there’s no need for him or her to have a communication device. But the reality is that other people may not understand what he or she is expressing. As a result, the person can become socially isolated and lose their sense of identity. Communication devices help people with aphasia to more effectively interact with others during everyday activities, like spending time with family, ordering at a restaurant, or visiting the doctor.
Myth #4: AAC Devices Are Only for People Who Have Long Term Aphasia.
Reality: Research shows that the use of a communication device is more successful when it is introduced early in the recovery process.
Lingraphica Can Help
During a free 30-minute free consultation, we’ll help you and your loved ones find exactly what you need to meet your specific communication goals.
We’ll help you to better understand your condition, offer simple strategies for communicating more effectively, and discuss communication and therapy devices and apps that can really help. Call us at 866-570-8775 or click the button below to schedule a consultation.
Other Aphasia Treatment Options
- Constraint-Induced Language Therapy
- Conversational Coaching for Aphasia
- Gestural Faciliation of Naming (GES)
- Life Participation Approach to Aphasia
- Melodic Intonation Therapy
- Multiple Oral Reading (MOR)
- Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (ORLA)
- PACE Therapy
- Reciprocal Scaffolding Treatment (RST)
- Response Elaboration Training (RET)
- Script Training
- Semantic Feature Analysis Treatment
- Sentence Production Program for Aphasia
- Supported Communication Intervention (SCI)
- Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™)
- Supported Reading Comprehension
- Tele-Rehabilitation for Aphasia
- Treatment of Underlying Forms (UTF)
- Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST)
- Visual Action Therapy
- Word Retrieval Cuing Strategies
Learn About AAC and Speech-Generating Devices
Lingraphica Can Help
We help adults with speech and language impairments to reconnect with family and friends, improve communication, and live their best lives. Call us at 866-570-8775 or visit the link below to get started.
