Language Disorders (Aphasia, Dysphasia or Global Aphasia)

Trouble understanding spoken language; poor reading comprehension

Signs and Symptoms:

• Has difficulty gaining meaning from spoken language
• Demonstrates poor written output
• Exhibits poor reading comprehension
• Shows difficulty expressing thoughts in verbal form
• Has difficulty labeling objects or recognizing labels
• Is often frustrated by having a lot to say and no way to say it
• Feels that words are “right on the tip of my tongue”
• Can describe an object and draw it, but can’t think of the word for it
• May be depressed or having feelings of sadness
• Has difficulty getting jokes

Strategies:

• Speak slowly and clearly and use simple sentences to convey information
• Refer to a speech pathologist
• Allow tape recorder for note taking
• Write main concepts on board
• Provide support person or peer tutor
• Use visualization techniques to enhance listening and comprehension
• Use of graphic organizers for note taking from lectures or books
• Use story starters for creative writing assignments
• Practice story mapping
• Draw out details with questions and visualization strategies

Information from the LDA of America website.