Long-term effects of acquired aphasias in childhood

This paper presents the results of study into the long-term effects of acquired childhood aphasia (ACA). Two groups of children, a longitudinal group followed up for at least 2 years (12 children), and a cross-sectional group seen at least 2 years post-onset (12 children) were examined for the severity and pattern of residual language deficits (total 24 children). The results are presented. Overall, these show that more children in group 2 had moderate or severe language deficits at 2 years post-onset than in group 1, in which most children achieved language scores within the normal range by this stage of recovery. These findings are discussed in respect of the educational needs and continuing development of children with acquired aphasias, and the service they require.