Better Conversations with Aphasia

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What's aphasia?

Aphasia is a communication difficulty commonly caused by stroke that affects speaking, listening, reading and writing. As a result, everyday conversations can become difficult.

Who is this resource for?

This resource contains both e-learning materials and our BCA communication partner training intervention programme for speech and language therapists/pathologists to deliver. There are accessible versions of some materials for people with aphasia and their families who want to learn about how conversation works and how aphasia can affect conversations. Health and social care workers and medics who work with people with aphasia may also find this information useful.

What's in the resource?

Various online modules that the user can work through at their own pace to learn about the evidence base for communication partner training and BCA, what conversation is like when you have aphasia, and how to measure the outcomes of BCA. It also contains the BCA intervention programme with session plans and handouts for speech and language therapists/pathologists to deliver. It is free to register for an account. Please note that we don’t currently issue certificates of completion.

What's the evidence?

The paper reporting our BCA intervention outcomes research is: 

Best W., Maxim J., Heilemann C., Beckley F., Johnson F., Edwards S.I., Howard D. & Beeke S. (2016) Conversation Therapy with People with Aphasia and Conversation Partners using Video Feedback: A Group and Case Series Investigation of Changes in Interaction. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 10:562 https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00562 

There is a BCA case study in our book: 

Beeke, S. & Bloch, S. (2023) Better Conversations with Communication Difficulties: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. J & R Press.