Microcomputer treatment applications in aphasiology

Abstract

Abstract Utilization of microcomputers for treatment of the aphasic adult, while very seductive, continues to be in need of efficacy research. Data based research regarding the use of microcomputers as a viable treatment medium should describe: for whom is this type of treatment appropriate; what specific type of microcomputer treatment software is applicable; when should treatment begin and end; and where can treatment be accomplished? Yet, data based research in aphasiology concerning treatment efficacy remains sparse. This research explores which of two delivery systems, clinician and clinician/assisted micromputer, is more effective in bringing aphasic patients to a criterion performance. Using an alternating treatment design with multiple internal and external generization probes, 20 aphasic patients were studied. Data for the first 10 patients indicate certain aphasia types and severity levels demonstrated that the clinician was the more effective and efficient delivery system for both fluent and non-fluent aphasic patients in the moderate to marked ranges of severity. This paper will focus on clinical issues regarding the treatment program we utilized different treatment delivery stystems, treatment generalization, aphasia treatment generalization by aphasia type, and future research trends in using microcomputers with this population of patients.