Living successfully with aphasia: What it means for speech language pathologists and their clients

This study utilized a combination of interviews and online surveys to a) explore how speech-language pathologists conceptualize the idea of "Living Successfully with Aphasia" and to b) compare their definitions with those of people with aphasia, in order to develop a unified conceptual definition. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to explore these concepts. Thematic analysis revealed six core themes that both SLP's and people with aphasia use to define "Living Successfully with Aphasia." They included involvement in activities, communication and use of compensatory strategies, independence, determination, social factors, and psychological factors. A mixed ANOVA yielded no significant main or interaction effects. These results suggest that the two groups conceptualize this idea in a similar fashion. A client-centered approach to therapy was found to be most compatible with the idea of "Living Successfully with Aphasia." The importance of the SLP as an educator and advocate is discussed.