Aphasia Rehabilitation: The Impairment and Its Consequences

Nadine Martin, Ph.D., Cynthia K. Thompson, Ph.D., and Linda Worrall, Ph.D.

As a consequence of the disability movement, the thinking generated by the World Health Organization’s classification of disability and functioning, and an upturn in concern for the long-term consequences of aphasia, it has become apparent that two distinctive pathways for the treatment of aphasia have emerged over the past decade. The first (and most traditional) involves assessment and management directed toward lessening the effects of the impairment of aphasia, while the second pathway focuses less on specific language than on the psychosocial consequences of aphasia. This unique text specifically contrasts impairment- and consequences-focused treatment with the aim of providing clinicians with a level playing field that permits them to evaluate for themselves the relative contributions that each approach provides, to evaluate their relative strengths and weaknesses, and finally to seek common ground.

An opening chapter sets the scene, while the heart of the book, based on real cases, concerns five meticulously described, yet hypothetical individuals with aphasia. In each of the cases, detailed descriptions and assessment results are provided and clinical management plans, representing each approach, are presented by internationally recognized experts in aphasia rehabilitation.

Review

• Kerry Lenius, PhD, CCC-SLP, Florida State University, Doody's Review Service:
  "This book is unique in that it discusses two theoretical approaches to aphasia rehabilitation. To my knowledge there are no other books on the market that present both types of approaches in a collaborative way. I would highly recommend this both for graduate students planning evidence-based treatment in supervised learning environments and experienced clinicians who want to learn about the distinctions and benefits of each treatment approach."

Details: 277 pages, Illustrated (B/W), Softcover, 6 x 9"

ISBN13: 978-1-59756-162-4

Release Date: 01/11/2007