Working with Global Aphasia

Global aphasia is the most severe and disabling form of aphasia, yet it has had the least attention within aphasia research and rehabilitation. This practical book provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the topic based on both clinical observations and the literature to date. Uniquely, it covers not only the severe language impairments observed in global aphasia but also the co-occurring cognitive impairments that often present an additional challenge when working with this population. This book offers: - A comprehensive understanding of the clinical characteristics of global aphasia illustrated with real case examples - A theoretical overview of the domains of cognition and discussion of the role cognitive deficits play in the clinical presentation of people with global aphasia - Critical analysis of the research evidence on global aphasia - An exploration into the strengths and limitations of common methods used to assess language, cognition, and functional communication in global aphasia - New ways of approaching assessment and treatment which consider the impact of cognitive difficulties - Detailed suggestions of direct and indirect treatment tasks and approaches that can be used with this population, including novel cognitive tasks. This accessible text will provide both experienced speech and language therapists and students new to the subject with the knowledge, skills, and tools to work effectively with people with global aphasia in a range of clinical settings. It will also be an essential resource for anyone considering research with this challenging but highly rewarding population.

Sharon Adjei-Nicol is a highly experienced speech and language therapist specialising in global aphasia. She worked across a range of settings with adult clients during her 15-year career with the NHS. She now runs an independent speech and language therapy practice, Acquire Speech and Language Therapy, where she works with clients with neurological and voice conditions. She was awarded her PhD in 2020 after completing research in the area of global aphasia and is a part-time senior lecturer in speech and language therapy at the University of Greenwich.

List of Figures List of Tables Preface List of Abbreviations Chapter 1 What is global aphasia? Chapter 2 Cognitive difficulties in global aphasia Chapter 3 Assessment and intervention planning Chapter 4 Intervention in global aphasia: the evidence base Chapter 5: Intervention in clinical practice Chapter 6: Considerations for clinical practice References Appendix 1 Example communication history form Appendix 2 Example of an automatic speech task Appendix 3 Example of a visual scale Appendix 4 Strategies for communicating with PwGA Index