Do people with language (speech) problems use any kind of communication aids, like those flip charts we used before computers?
Surely there must be something small and portable, with sentences/headings etc that a user could point to .
Hi, Rahima. I am a speech-language pathologist. Language and speech are two very different things. There are many options for people with aphasia to communicate. Note that someone with aphasia has a language problem, and using a communication device like you describe above may be very difficult. Someone with dysarthria (a motor problem, and difficulty with speech) might have better success. And in general, people with a new stroke typically need a lot of time to accept using an alternative and augmentative communication system. I would start with finding a speech-language pathologist in your area to help with this.
Thank you for the quick response, I know language and speech are different. I also know that dysphasia and dysarthria are different.
I was thinking of those charts that have images, pictures or icons. The headings are for the other person to read. Do you know what I mean?
This is not a reply. It is Rahima again. No-one except Nicole above replied, and then she didn't
answer my next question. I don't get how this works? Don't many people find these forums?
Hi Rahima,
Communication after stroke for me was so very difficult. I know a lot of people make their own way in how to communicate best.
For me, listening to music helped alot. Following songs, reading, watching people communicate. Really studying the flow of conversations. As my conversation was far from flowing!! And I sure missed that.
I'll be back with a more indepth answer, I;m about to head now. Talk soon.
Sue
Hi Rahima
Thank-you for reaching out to us. Communication is so important and as Sue has mentioned, it can be difficult to know how to facilitate effective conversation following a stroke. It sounds like you are asking about an augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) aid. There are different ways communication can be supported. These include single-meaning pictures, alphabet systems and pictures with more than one meaning. Here is a link that explains the difference between the AAC devices and finding the right system that works for you- https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Information-for-AAC-Users/#questions
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have developed the health translations website that have some resources for downloading and developing your own cue cards. It is covers some basic ways to communicate through topics and is available is a wide range of languages. http://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcht.nsf/PresentDetail?Open&s=Cue_Cards
There are many communication aids available and as Nicole has mentioned, spending the time to find the right kind of communication device is important. A speech and language therapist can assess and provide recommendations on the best fit for you. The speech therapist will work with you to find out what type of AAC aid will be meaningful, logical and useful for your comprehension level. To find a speech therapist in your local area, here is the link http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/find
Depending on where you live, you may be able to access a local non-electronic communication aid scheme (NECAS). In Victoria, Scope is funded by the DHHS and can support you with making an individualized non-electronic communication aid. They have an online application form where you describe yourself and your needs before your individualized AAC aid is made. Here is the website that describes how the scheme works and you can check to see if you are eligible for it. Your speech therapist can also support you through this process. https://www.scopeaust.org.au/necas/
You can also contact Strokeline on 1800 787 653 if you would like further information and support.
Best wishes
Carol, StrokeConnect, Stroke Foundation
Hi Rahima,
I hope what Carol posted in reply offered some links which you may find useful. Lots of practical aids to help.
I can only say that communication was so difficult. Reflecting on communication it seemed that I only ever replied to conversation, I was no longer a conversation starter any more. Or if I did attempt to create conversation it was so hard to follow me that people lost interest.This was a huge loss and repairing this damage took a very long time in just living, participating, be involved in stuff just to re learn how to be included in a more natural way. In saying that I also began to become aware of how much people talked about stuff that just wasn't a priority for me anymore. An example is that I was still in survival mode for a long time and stuff like how come the socks disappear in the washing was not high on my agenda. So that in itself was difficult too. My stroke had created a gap in regards to what was important to me now and what was important to me prior. Although I still very much appreciated what was important to one person isn't necessarily important to another.
Keep being inquisitive about what you want to know.
All the best.
Sue
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Thank you Sue, for your reply.
I should explain why I am asking this.
I am a retired O.T., have worked a lot with people who have little or no speech, for a variety of reasons.
When I got to know people, I knew stuff about them, like their old dog, the horse about to foal, the stroppy teenage daughter, some up-coming new medical issues etc. so I could ask relevant questions, or they could give me a few clues to get a conversation going. So I think that's so important, that they can be the one to pick the topic.
Now I still am involved with our local Stroke Support Group, so we have new members come along,with aphasia.
It would be such a help to get to know them, if they had a personalized communication system, like a book, chart, app that says things : "I am..... I like..... I really don't like......I feel.... I think....
I have something to say/ask... I'm happy about...... I'm worried about... I don't care about....."
and something they can point to to fill in the gaps.
When I search "the Web" there are many aids, apps etc.
I was just wanting to know if people had found any that were good.
I will keep trying to find a way, I do appreciate your comment.
Those socks are one of the mysteries of the Universe!.
Rahima.
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