Production of Sentences by Individuals with Severe Aphasia: Efficacy of Computer-Based Graphic Symbol Intervention

Among the most significant recent advances in improving the communicative abilities of individuals with chronic severe aphasia has been the development of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods; that is, techniques, strategies and symbols for augmenting or replacing natural speech. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of three individuals with severe Broca's aphasia to produce grammatically complex sentences using an electronic communication device. A single-subject multiple-baseline design was used to analyze the results. Results indicated that all subjects acquired the skills necessary to access, identify and manipulate the symbols. However, their ability to construct sentences using symbols varied. The finding that individuals with chronic severe aphasia are able to use visually based alternative forms of communication has significant clinical and public policy implications.