Harnessing AI for aphasia: a case report on ChatGPT's role in supporting written expression

Aphasia is associated with impairments in written language, including difficulty with sentence formulation, word finding, and editing. While writing aids show promise, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as large language models (LLMs), offer new opportunities for individuals with language-based writing challenges.

This case report describes the use of the LLM, ChatGPT, to improve accuracy, complexity, and productivity in an adult with aphasia. The intervention combined self-genrated content with AI-assisted editing, guided by a visual flow char and structured prompts. Writing samples were analyzed for sentence count, complexity, and errors, while the patient's attitudes toward writing were evaluated through surveys.

When using ChatGPT, the patient produced more sentences with fewer errors, while self-written samples showed reduced total errors but decreased sentence production and increased sentence length and syntactic complexity. Although the patient required clinician prompting and modeling to use ChatGPT effectively, he developed greater independence and confidence over time. One year later, he reported continued use of ChatGPT for creative and communicative tasks.

This case highlights how AI tools can enhance written communication and promote participation in meaningful activities for individuals with aphasia, especially those with prior experience using technology.