I'm a speech-language pathologist & co-founder of Tactus. Tactus offers evidence-based apps for aphasia therapy and lots of free resources, articles, and education - like this newsletter. Sign up to get my updates 1-2 times a month.
🌻 Resource Round-Up: Aphasia, Cognition, & More!
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Hello! The year is flying by, isn't it? ✈️ I just looked up and realized it's been 6 months since I last sent out a list of new resources related to medical speech pathology. 🤯 So here are some of the most exciting things I've found lately, and a few that my team has created for you! 1. 🧠 interact-ABI-lity: A free online training for family, friends, and professionals working in brain injury. Learn how best to interact with people with a brain injury with this self-guided communication partner training from the University of Sydney in Australia. 2. 🗣️ Speaking Out 2025: The National Aphasia Association is bringing back their annual conference for people with aphasia, this time virtually! Attend for free on October 3 & 4 to connect with other people with aphasia, care partners, and new resources. Submit your own content by August 30! 3. ✨ A New Blog Series: "What SLPs Need to Know" is our new series that brings you well-researched information in an easy-to-read format. There are now 8 articles focusing on cognition, language, and swallowing. More coming soon for apraxia, alexia, and memory. 4. 🎙️ Aphasia & Cognition Podcast: After doing the deep dive into cognition and aphasia for the blog, I wanted to share this vital information on the Brainstorms podcast with Renee Garrett. Listen as we discuss how important cognitive skills are to aphasia rehab, and why many overlook this link. 5. 🎞️ The Unexpected Journey: Emma and Bruce Willis are featured in a touching ABC News special that aired last night. A personal look at frontotemporal dementia (PPA) and caregiving. Catch it streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. 6. 📓 Helping Kids Understand Aphasia: A wonderful new children's book is available to explain when a parent has aphasia, from researcher Brielle Stark. Learn more here, or buy from our Amazon affiliate link. 7. 🤓 Aphasia CEUs: Learn how to implement the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia with new introductory and intermediate online training courses from Aphasia Access. Earn up to 8 hours of continuing education credits with a discount for members. 8. 🎥 We're on TikTok! I am grateful for my (ahem- more youthful) colleague Shezena who has created some amazing video content on this social media platform. Follow Tactus on TikTok to see what we're up to! 9. 🏥 Cognitive Screen: The Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS) is a free, stroke-specific screening tool for acute care and rehab. Translations, remote, enhanced, and mini versions are available. A great resource! 10. 📚 Journal Articles: Here are some of the best journal articles we've been reading lately:
🚀 What We're Launching Soon in the Virtual Rehab Center:
Sign up for your free trial to see why clinicians around the globe are saying, "I can't believe how amazing this platform is!" With free homework for patients, access from any device, and 100+ treatments and handouts, the Virtual Rehab Center is a must-have tool for speech-language pathologists. Warmly, Megan P.S. Please spread the knowledge by forwarding this email to a friend or colleague. P.P.S. Hit reply to let me know if you're interested in our university or group memberships to the Virtual Rehab Center. |
Megan @ Tactus Therapy
I'm a speech-language pathologist & co-founder of Tactus. Tactus offers evidence-based apps for aphasia therapy and lots of free resources, articles, and education - like this newsletter. Sign up to get my updates 1-2 times a month.
Hello Reader, A student once asked me, “When did you get comfortable treating dysphagia?” 🤔 Honestly, I don’t think anyone ever does. It’s high-stakes, with limited and constantly changing research. You have to stay on your toes! That’s why I’m excited to share two new resources to make swallowing therapy simpler, more targeted, and easier to track: 📚 NEW Blog: What SLPs Need to Know: Dysphagia Exercises gives you practical guidance for swallowing treatment💻 NEW Treatment: Effortful Swallow...
When we hear “aphasia,” we think of language problems—like trouble speaking or understanding. 🗣️👂 But for many people with aphasia, that’s only part of the story. In fact, research shows that 79% of people with severe aphasia also have problems with something called executive functions (Olsson et al., 2019). 🧠 What Are Executive Functions—and Why Do They Matter? Executive functions are thinking skills that help us manage everyday life. These skills allow us to plan, stay focused, identify...
Hello Reader, As SLPs, we're trained to think about language first when it comes to aphasia: word finding, reading, writing. But what if getting stuck on words, poor strategy use, or lack of carryover isn’t just a language issue? Impaired executive functioning—like poor inhibition, reduced working memory, or inflexible thinking—may play a bigger role than we think. 📊 In fact, research showed 79% of participants with severe aphasia also had executive dysfunction (Olsson et al. 2019). 🤯 That's...