How do I attend Aphasia Center of California programs?

The first step in being admitted into our programs is to call the Aphasia Center of California at (510) 336-0112. During this phone call, we will gather information including relevant medical history and the current severity and type of aphasia. We will also determine which of our treatments or classes are of most interest to the person with aphasia. An appointment will then be made for an initial visit to our program.

I have a family member with aphasia who lives outside of the Northern California area. Can we come to the Aphasia Center of California for a few months of treatment?

The Aphasia Center of California's community based programs are designed to provide long term treatment and support for all those affected by aphasia. We recommend that individuals who attend our programs live nearby for at least a 4 month time period so that they can experience the benefit of group communication treatment.

How long can I continue to make progress following my stroke?

Our research indicates that people with aphasia can continue to progress significantly for many years following their strokes. This does not mean that people are "cured" of their aphasia, since aphasia is a chronic condition for many individuals. However, people with aphasia can continue to recover additional linguistic and communication skills over time, especially when they receive treatment that has demonstrated efficacy. Unfortunately, many medical professionals tell individuals with aphasia that progress will stop six months or a year following their stroke. This is not true nor is it supported by current research.

Is there an Aphasia Center with the same programs in my community?

The Aphasia Center of California is the only one using the innovative programs developed by Aphasia Center of California staff that are described in our publications. However, different programs for those affected by aphasia may be available in your own community. Contact the National Aphasia Association to see which community groups are available close by to you or your family member.

I am a speech-language pathologist who is interested in starting an Aphasia Center including group treatment programs. Can you help me start my program?

Aphasia Center of California staff can be hired as paid consultants to facilitate the development of other Aphasia Centers. In addition, the staff at the Aphasia Center of California has made it a priority to publish specific information about our programs so that others can replicate our work. In particular, a chapter in the book edited by Dr. Roberta J. Elman, "Group treatment of Neurogenic Communication Disorders: The Expert Clinician's Approach" provides information about the day-to-day workings of the Aphasia Center of California, including our clinical techniques. The second edition of this book is being published by Plural Publishing (San Diego, CA) in the fall of 2006. Their website is <www.pluralpublishing.com>.

Do you have any materials that I can use to treat aphasia?

The Aphasia Center of California does not produce specific treatment materials for aphasia. Information about Aphasia Center of California treatment is available by locating our publications from your local university librarian. You can also learn more about our treatment programs by reading the newsletters posted at this website.

The most effective approach for conducting home aphasia treatment with a family member is to work with a speech-language pathologist to create a home treatment program. In this way, each person's strengths and weaknesses can be considered as the program is developed. Additional information about aphasia treatment resources, including information about computer-based treatment, can be found at the National Aphasia Association's website.

Do you have information about childhood aphasia?

Can you make recommendations about my child who has a diagnosis of aphasia? The Aphasia Center of California specializes in adult onset aphasia resulting from brain injury, especially stroke. The diagnosis of childhood aphasia may be made even though there is no known neurological damage. Parents of children should request speech-language treatment through their child's local school. In addition, state universities that have speech and hearing clinics in a communicative disorders department may help in the assessment and treatment of childhood aphasia.

I am doing a paper/project about aphasia at my university. Can you send me information about aphasia or aphasia treatment?

The best way to proceed with a college project is to do a literature search at your university library for books and journal articles related to your topic. There are thousands of articles that have been published on different aspects of aphasia, so be sure to narrow down your search! University reference librarians can be invaluable in helping you to locate references, books, and hard-to-find journals, through interlibrary loan programs. If you are doing a project on group treatment of aphasia, you will find our publications to be quite helpful.

My family member was recently diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia. Do you have information on that disorder?

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) differs from aphasia following stroke. Unlike stroke survivors who often continue recovery for years following stroke, those with PPA gradually worsen over time as other areas of the brain become affected. The National Aphasia Association website contains additional information about Primary Progressive Aphasia.

How does one know if they have aphasia? How do I find a speech-language pathologist in my community who is experienced in working with individuals with aphasia?

A diagnosis of aphasia is made by a speech-language pathologist. Some speech-language pathologists specialize in neurogenic or neurologic communication disorders. Be sure to question a prospective therapist about their expertise and past experience in working with individuals who have aphasia. Experienced and knowledgeable therapists, especially those who attend continuing education courses on aphasia, are the most qualified to work with those who have aphasia.