Aphasia Research

When my stroke hit, it left me with total right side paralysis and I was also totally unable to talk at all. Out of that experience was born the idea for my Alternative and Augmentative Communication app, Talk For Me. Through my recovery journey I did have mild word finding difficulty to begin with—a form of aphasia—and still do have very mild word finding difficulty when fatigued. My main speech problems now, I would describe as more mild apraxia of speech, difficulties with getting the words in my head out in terms of planning the mouth "motor control", occasionally getting words in the wrong order or stuttering, again worse when fatigued.

I'm a big believer in research generally but especially in relation to stroke, having been the beneficiary of stroke research, including the Young Stroke Service amongst many other research programs. So I have now been getting involved in stroke research, first as a participant, then co-design, and now as a "Chief Investigator" on grant applications (keeping my fingers crossed as to the outcomes of those), but also with the Aphasia Centre for Research Excellence at La Trobe Uni, where I've been involved in a project looking at the important but often overlooked area of mild aphasia, in terms of testing and treatment, headed by Dr John Pierce who is a lovely person and very supportive researcher to work with.

For these stroke survivors like me, communication can often seem “fine” to others, but they might still struggle with:

– Finding the right words

– Keeping up in complex or group conversations

– Expressing ideas clearly

We are seeking participants in or around Melbourne for a study exploring the key challenges faced by people with mild aphasia and health professionals, and how services can better support them.

What do we mean by “mild aphasia”? Language challenges after a stroke that might be diagnosed as “mild” or even “normal,” but still have a big impact on your life.

Who can participate?

We are looking for two groups of participants:

1. Adults who have had a left-hemisphere stroke and experience mild communication difficulties

2. Health professionals (speech pathologists, occupational therapists and neuropsychologists) with 4+ years of experience supporting stroke survivors with mild Aphasia Recovery Connection

What’s involved: Assessments A focus group (online or in-person) to discuss experiences and priorities for improving support You would be paid for your time ($60 per hour) A focus group (online or in-person)

Your insights could help shape future rehabilitation approaches, including potential new interventions.

Interested?

To find out more and register your interest, email E.McLauchlan@latrobe.edu.au or call 03 9479 3596 and leave a voicemail with your contact phone number.