The utility of computerized visual communication for improving natural language in chronic global aphasia: Implications for approaches to treatment in global aphasia

Abstract

A computerized communication system (C-VIC) was employed as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool to identify propositional language abilities in a chronic, globally aphasic patient. The patient demonstrated the ability to construct sentences during training according to abstract syntax-like rules by manipulating iconic symbols representing nouns and verbs. Further, he produced correct symbolic order to express the thematic relationships in sentences. The effect of C-VIC as a therapeutic intervention to improve the patient's natural language abilities was examined using pre- and post-training assessments. Improvements specific to training were observed but neither improvements in natural language nor generalization to production of multiple sentences using C-VIC was found. The results are discussed with regard to current debates concerning treatment approaches and the use of augmentative communication devices for globally aphasic patients.