Background: There is a growing body of evidence that speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention is effective in improving communication ability for individuals with non-progressive acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). However, there is no universally agreed diagnostic standard for AOS, and diverging opinions on its diagnostic features. This has…

Background and Objective: This article compares the policy, care systems, and legislation surrounding acquired brain injury (ABI) in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Consistent with their shared histories, many similarities in terms of culture, language, and politics, and their history of cooperative relations in military and…

This preexperimental comparison group study (N = 19) examined group art therapy as a means for increasing communication and socialization, and enhancing quality of life for people (51-93 years old) with acquired brain injury. Participants self-selected a 10-week program according to interest that was either an art therapy group (n = 11) or the…

Staff in three neurobehavioral residential settings (5 in each residence for a total of 15 staff) were trained on specific positive interaction behaviors in a multiple baseline design. Staff in each of the residences were provided with recommended behaviors for interacting with residents through an observational procedure where they observed and…

In the absence of visual input, the question arises as to how complex spatial abilities develop and how the brain adapts to the absence of this modality. We explored navigational skills in both early and late blind individuals and structural differences in the hippocampus, a brain region well known to be involved in spatial processing.…

Purpose: To continue the development of a quantified, standard method to differentiate individuals with stroke and dysphagia from individuals without dysphagia. Method: Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were completed on a group of participants with acute stroke (n = 42) and healthy age-matched individuals (n = 25). Calibrated liquid…

The use of computer assisted therapy (CAT) in the rehabilitation of individuals with brain damage is examined. Hardware considerations are explored, and the variety of software programs available for brain injury rehabilitation is discussed. Structured testing and treatment programs in time measurement, memory, and direction finding are described,…

Results of audiometric evaluation and a comprehensive communication competence test battery on 20 closed head injured (CHI) and 15 non CHI control Subjects suggested that CHI has an immediate generalized effect upon the cerebral mechanisms subserving intelligence, speech, language, memory, and specific writing, reading, and arithmetic skills. (CL)

A variety of memory strategies can be used to retrain an individual's ability to process information in working memory. This article provides step-by-step instructions for various memory encoding strategies. These strategies include training in perceptual grouping of number series, organization, mediation, mental imagery, and associative memory.…

This paper questions the acceptance of injuries obtained while participating in sport and in particular, the relationship between participation in boxing and brain injury/damage identified in boxers. A review of the literature indicates research findings support the tenet that brain damage found in boxers is cumulative and is directly related to…

This paper describes four syndromes of acquired dyslexia in adults: deep (phonemic) dyslexia, surface (semantic) dyslexia, phonological dyslexia, and letter-by-letter reading (word-form dyslexia). Each description inquires whether reading performance is (1) sensitive to dimensions of words; (2) affected by experimental manipulations; and (3)…

Decreased naturalness of speech in a 20-year-old closed-head injured male was related to short, uniform breath groups, inhalation during every pause, and restricted fundamental frequency. Data related to patterns of breathing and pausing during samples of connected speech along with measures of respiratory control are presented. (Author/CL)

Purpose: This pilot study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of an Internet-based telerehabilitation application for the assessment of motor speech disorders in adults with acquired neurological impairment. Method: Using a counterbalanced, repeated measures research design, 2 speech-language pathologists assessed 19 speakers with…

The nature and effects of head trauma are discussed. Among the most common deficits noted are impaired cognition, difficulties in oral and written communication, sensory problems, and marked personality changes. Suggestions are offered for dealing with each type of deficit, such as using alarm clocks and other tools to remind the individual about…

This article on young adults with brain damage in New South Wales (Australia) focuses on epidemiological considerations and implications for management. Jointly planning for provision of services for individuals who have either congenital or acquired brain damage is recommended, in view of their similar needs. (JDD)