'I think writing is everything': An exploration of the writing experiences of people with aphasia

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The findings demonstrate the emerging importance of writing skills for people with aphasia with respect to communication, well-being, participation and inclusion in society, and carrying out social roles. They provide an insight into the process of improvement, including the difficulties, facilitators and barriers. Implications for speech and language therapy assessment and management are discussed.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject People with aphasia have difficulties with writing that can affect their ability to communicate. A small body of qualitative research has provided insights into individuals' experiences of literacy difficulties. More research is needed to understand the writing experiences of people with aphasia to help design appropriate assessments and interventions. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Participants experienced gradual and effortful improvement since their stroke. They felt negative about aspects of their writing, including speed, accuracy and range of vocabulary. Writing was facilitated through assistive technologies, spelling practice and support from others; barriers included technology, lack of time, stroke-related symptoms and others' lack of awareness about aphasia. Participants considered writing skills to be important, particularly for communication, carrying out adult social roles and participating in society, and were therefore still working towards goals related to everyday wri...
Source: International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Source Type: research