A few weeks ago, I started answering a question I hear from lots of SLPs: "What do I actually *do* for cognitive therapy?" So far, we've covered executive function, attention, and the simple formula that ties it all together. Today, we'll tackle memory. 🐘 Memory: A Step-by-Step Guide The framework: 1️⃣ Pick a real thing your patient needs to remember in their everyday life 2️⃣ Choose the workaround: an internal strategy, external memory aid, or both 3️⃣ Use errorless learning: guide them to...
8 days ago • 2 min read
In today's world, written communication is a huge part of social participation. We text friends to grab coffee, send life updates via email, and post our thoughts, stories, and questions to social media. 📲 In fact, when researchers asked people with aphasia about writing, one said:"I think writing is everything." Participants also described writing as deeply tied to their confidence, independence, and staying connected with the people in their lives (Thiel & Conroy, 2022). Writing is...
15 days ago • 2 min read
A few weeks ago, I started answering a question I hear from lots of SLPs: "What do I actually *do* for cognitive therapy?" So far, I've covered executive function and my simple formula for cognitive therapy. Today, I'll break down attention. Let's get into it. 👇 Attention: A Step-by-Step Guide ⚠️ Always start here Before you do anything else, help your patient identify external distractions (noise, clutter, their phone, the environment) and internal distractions (pain, fatigue, hunger,...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Recently, I asked SLPs who use the Virtual Rehab Center about their adult neuro caseloads. I wanted to know how they spend their time, what materials they reach for, and what makes their job easier. A few of the answers surprised me, and I thought you might find them interesting too. 👇 I heard from SLPs across settings: inpatient, SNF, outpatient, private practice, acute, and more. Before signing up for the Virtual Rehab Center, they had the same frustrations: • Not enough prep time • Lack of...
30 days ago • 1 min read
Last week's email about executive functioning got a lot of positive feedback. Many of you asked for the step-by-step version of attention and memory too. My answer is a resounding yes! Those are coming. We'll also continue to add to the What SLPs Need to Know series But first, let's talk about a formula I use for all cognitive therapy, because I think once this clicks, every domain gets less overwhelming. A quick review: Restorative approaches: improve or restore the impaired underlying...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey! How's your week going? This week I want to address something I've heard from a LOT of SLPs. Does this sound familiar? You've done the executive functioning CEUs, read the research, and can spout the lingo: metacognitive strategies, Goal Management Training, Goal-Plan-Do-Review/Revise. But when a patient is sitting in front of you, you start to think... "What do I actually do for executive function? What exactly is 'metacognitive strategy instruction embedded in a functional task'? Can...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
When people with aphasia can't get words out, they often feel silly. Or stupid. It can bring on a whole range of emotions: frustration, sadness, confusion, anxiety, anger, embarrassment, and more. 😭 For some patients and family members, it can be helpful to explain word retrieval, so they understand that saying words is actually a complex process. Let's take the word "kitten" for example: I often start by reassuring them... "You don't have to memorize everything on here. I just want to show...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
When someone has aphasia, it might seem like they're forgetting the words. You might be tempted to explain word-finding difficulty as a "memory problem." But aphasia is a bit more complicated. When a word won't come out, it's still there. It's not forgotten. The problem is retrieval: pulling it out on demand, under time pressure, or in a specific moment. Our brain has to go through several steps to say a word, and any part of that process can be disrupted by aphasia. Let's take the word...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Patients with apraxia of speech (AOS) often have aphasia too. So they finally break through the word-finding wall ("I know the word I want!") only to hit a second one: motor planning. They know what they want to say, but the same word comes out three different ways – or not at all. Apraxia of speech is frustrating for your patients, and it can be intimidating to treat, but it's a lot more manageable with the right tools. For ready-made handouts, exercises and free HEPs for patients, try the...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read