As speech-language pathologists, we're frequently challenged to help our patients with aphasia with their frustrating anomia. Moving beyond cued naming tasks to using word-finding strategies in everyday conversation can be tough. But there's some promising research offering us new strategies, or at least a new way to think about using them.

Using Conversation in Therapy

Recent research by Leaman and Edmonds (2024) on ECoLoGiC-Tx (Expanding Communication and Language Opportunities Generated in Conversation) focused on improving communication in real-life, patient-led conversations.

The SLP did:

• Paraphrase what was understood
• Verbalize lack of understanding
• Allow extra time for communication and silence
• Allow natural topic shifts
• Accept all modes of communication

The SLP did NOT:

• Ask too many questions
• Use phonemic or semantic cues
• Require verbal communication
• Ask the person to say known information
• Tell the person how to communicate

During a conversation, the SLP supported the patient by writing down understood words. When a repair of conversation was needed, the SLP encouraged self-repair through hierarchal support such as: "Can you tell me more?", "Can you tell me another way- draw or gesture?", or providing choices.

Bridging the Gap from Single Words to Conversation

The Tactus Virtual Rehab Center's newest treatment, Using Word-Finding Strategies was designed based on research and moves from single-word retrieval to finding words in connected speech. Here's how it works:

1. Review Strategies: This treatment starts with reviewing word retrieval strategies divided into the same 3 hierarchical categories: verbal, non-verbal, and choice.

2. Practice Strategies: Then patients name 3 single words* with the support of the built-in strategies of Tell, Show, and Choose.

3. Describe a Picture: Patients are then asked to use those three words in a picture description task, applying the strategies to connected speech. Real-time feedback using speech recognition is provided to show patients the relevant words they used.

4. Reflect: Finally, target metacognitive awareness by reviewing strategy use and effectiveness to encourage self-repair.

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Incorporating these strategies into your sessions should help your patients improve their word-finding skills, bringing them closer to their long-term goals. Sign up for a FREE trial of the Tactus Virtual Rehab Center to explore this treatment and more!

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Thank you for your dedication to your work. Let’s continue to use research and innovation to improve outcomes for our patients.

Best,

Megan

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P.S. At Tactus Therapy, we’re always finding ways to help YOU support your patients. If they need extra practice, remember that we offer free homework through the online Virtual Rehab Center that can be done on any device. Sign up and assign home practice today!