Drawing and gesture as communication options in a person with severe aphasia

The following case study demonstrates the efficacy of a gestural and graphic treatment approach for an individual with chronic Broca's aphasia. RJ. presented with global aphasia as a result of a stroke in 1985. He had a 2-year history of aphasia therapy without notable results, followed by a 3-year hiatus from any form of therapy. At the request of the patient's daughter, a speech-language pathology (SLP) evaluation was conducted nearly 5 years post onset and over 3 years after any form of communication intervention. Initially R.J. was so severe and perseverative that no formal testing could be administered. A novel, intensive treatment regime commenced, and after 6 weeks of aphasia treatment that focused on gesture and drawing as expressive modalities, R.J. was discharged home a functional communicator.