A comprehensive augmentative communication system for an adult with Broca's aphasia

TLDR

A multimodal augmentative communication system was developed for a 74‑year‑old man with Broca's aphasia. The system was constructed by evaluating the patient’s communication abilities, selecting and augmenting modes such as speech, gestures, writing, drawing, a first‑letter alphabet card, a thematic word dictionary, breakdown clues, and control phrases, then consolidating them into a portable notebook and refining instruction and interaction. Videotaped interactions showed fewer communication breakdowns with the augmented system than without, demonstrating more efficient message transmission.

Abstract

A multimodality augmentative communication system was developed for a 74-year-old man with Broca's aphasia. System development began with an assessment of the subject's communication competencies and needs. Decisions were made regarding which modes of communication could be capitalized on without additional instruction, and which modes could be enhanced via augmentation in order to successfully transmit messages. A multimodal communication system consisting of natural speech, gestures, writing, drawing a first letter spelling alphabet card, a thematic word dictionary, breakdown "clues," and control phrases was eventually developed. The tangible components of the system were consolidated into a small portable notebook. Issues regarding instruction in system use, interaction, and vocabulary selection were addressed. Data collected by videotaping interaction with unfamiliar speakers revealed that fewer communication breakdowns were present in the augmented condition than in the unaugmented condition, indicating greater efficiency of message transmission.