Working with Global Aphasia: Theory and Practice

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.

Table of Contents

Front Matter

• 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

Appendices

• 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

"This book is an excellent resource for clinicians working with individuals with global aphasia. As the first book on global aphasia to be published in 40 years, it fills a gap in aphasia literature tackling a condition historically seen as difficult to assess and treat."
- Christine Gormley, Advanced Specialist SLT, Royal Hospital for Neurodisability, Putney (RCSLT Bulletin, Issue 839, Summer 2024)