Aphasia Awareness

Articles

Jun 1

Developing language skills is critical for children to adequately communicate in our world. When a child (or person of any age) has trouble forming and understanding words, it is typically referred to as aphasia. June is aphasia awareness month and approximately two million people in the United States have aphasia. This statistic is surprising considering how few people know of this disorder. Although children may exhibit symptoms of aphasia during development, it can occur at any point in the lifespan and most frequently occurs in individuals with advanced age.

Causes of Aphasia

Language is controlled in the brain. Typically aphasia occurs due to some type of brain injury or issue during development. Head injuries can affect the parts of the brain which process language, creating a disconnect. Other reasons aphasia occurs are related to dementia, brain tumor, stoke, inflammation, or infection. For children, aphasia can occur at any stage of development, including the duration a baby is in utero. When children are diagnosed with aphasia, generally they are able to recover their language abilities. Because the brain is still developing, children may be able to use other parts of the brain to process language and speech rather than the affected or injured area.

Symptoms of Aphasia

Then ways aphasia affects an individual can vary from one person to the next. For children, they may have difficulty processing or understanding spoken language, which is often called receptive aphasia. The inability to make sense of language and communicate with others is called expressive aphasia. Other children may not be able to make sense of written language. Nonsense words using words inappropriately can also be an indication of aphasia. For many children, they experience and exhibit a combination of types. It can be an incredibly frustrating experience for children with aphasia, as they often are unaware that the words they are using are not appropriately communicating what they intended. In other cases, children are aware that they are unable to find the right words to communicate.

Another indication of aphasia in children is their ability to comprehend what they have read. Children may also struggle with receiving verbal command or instruction. Social communication often involves nuance when it relates to a joke, figure of speech, or sarcasm, which can be difficult for a child with aphasia to understand.

Treatment of Aphasia

Although there is not a defined “cure” for aphasia, in many cases, a treatment plan can help children fully recover their language abilities. No matter the case, treatment is always individualized and specific to that person’s abilities. Because aphasia can present major obstacles in school, it is important that children begin treatment with a speech-language pathologist as soon as possible after they are diagnosed. A speech therapist can analyze a child’s level of speech and writing ability and develop a treatment plan to help them achieve their highest level of independence in communication.

Other options that will help children with aphasia have to do with their environment and communication options. Distracting sounds such as music or background noise can present problems for children with aphasia. Removing those auditory distractions can help children focus on listening. Sometimes children will need more time to respond to a verbal question. Allowing them space to process what they hear and understand how to answer will give them the comfort to grow their ability without pressure. Simplifying language whenever possible can help children understand the questions or prompts with more ease. Any extraneous words that complicate the statement or question should be omitted. As children with aphasia learn to communicate appropriately, it is very important that they are encouraged to use their voice or rely on their own skill in order to live more independently.

Supporting Children with Aphasia

As a child learns to communicate both verbally and through written language, it is critical that they feel supported as they develop these skills. Although they may become frustrated with themselves as they try to find the words they are searching for, the practice of searching for those words and finding them will help that skill grow stronger. Loved ones may also become frustrated in conversation and will often finish their sentences or speak for them in an effort to help. While it may create more ease in conversation, it actually hinders their ability to develop this skill on their own. As they progress through life, they will encounter situations when they must rely on their own ability to communicate, so strengthening and developing this skill as a child is key.

Communication has many forms, and incorporating different forms of communication at home can help a child develop their skill. Using physical gestures with speech, using pictures or drawings, as well as using written language in conjunction with all of the above should be encouraged. The example of a family’s natural conversation can have a positive effect on development for a child with aphasia, particularly when they are regularly involved in the conversation. Although it can be difficult to always employ patience in conversation, allowing children with aphasia to take the time they need to respond will help them develop their skill.

Working with a Speech-Language Pathologist

In any case of aphasia, a speech-language pathologist can work a child to help them develop their communication and language skills. Contact your healthcare professional if you notice any symptoms of aphasia to take the first step in assessment. Tilton’s Therapy is comprised of a team of highly-skilled speech-language pathologists who work with patients of all ages. As a mobile therapy team, our therapists are able to come to your home and work with your child in the natural environment as opposed to a clinic setting. The natural environment allows our speech therapists to better understand the environment and make specific recommendations that would improve a child’s potential for development. In addition, our team is able to involve the whole family and create a treatment plan that best suits the needs of the individual.

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