You are encouraged to submit a draft of each project by the due date indicated in the course schedule to receive feedback from Dr. Clark.
Obtain a language sample from a non-brain damaged adult using the discourse materials from the WAB and the BDAE. Obtain a second sample (using the same materials) from an individual who is from another culture or generation, or uses a different language than the individual in your first sample. Describe the content, form, and use of the language samples you obtained, using any description system that works. You can use the systems in the aphasia instruments, systems used to analyze children's language samples, or an informal system--whatever! Discuss any insights you gained about "normal" adult language
General guidelines:
- a short paper (5 pages or less double spaced) ought to be adequate to describe your findings
- in your reflections, address such issues as whether you felt the materials were adequate to elicit a representative sample, how easy it was to describe content, form, and use, and how your samples captured the diverse nature of normal adult language. Don't limit your reflections to these issues--think divergently!
- you may work collaboratively on this project, however it is expected that all group members will participate fully in each aspect of the project (data collection of both samples and analysis of both samples).
Language Assessment Report (25 pts)
Develop a narrative report based on assessment information provided by Dr. Clark (to be distributed in class).
Content
- Summary of relevant history, including interview information
- Summary of clinical observations
- Report and interpretation of test results
- Diagnosis, including severity rating
- Prognosis and treatment recommendations
Form
- Use a narrative format with appropriate section headings
- 1-2 single-spaced pages will likely be adequate to address findings
- Use professional language
- Include a signature lin
Evidence-based Treatment Plan (50 pts)
Select one patient from the list below. For the patient you select
- Develop appropriate functional goals
- Suggest an appropriate treatment venue (e.g., acute care, home health, etc)
- Propose an anticipated session duration (e.g., 30 minutes) and frequency (e.g., three days per week) and overall duration (e.g., 3 weeks) for treatment
- Based on your goals, develop an outline of your treatment objectives
- Using principles of evidence-based practice, review evidence supporting the treatment methods you have selected
- Summarize the process by which you will evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment
Select one of the following patients
- 24 year old man 5 days s/p repair of left MCA aneurysm. Receptive language mildly impaired; speech and writing limited to single words with prominent word-finding deficits
- 77 year old female recently discharged from acute rehab following a stroke with resultant classic Wernicke's aphasia
- 74 year old man, retired physician, 6 months post-onset left CVA. Has previously refused language assessment, but the clinic receptionist reports his speech is halting and effortful and that he could respond to simple questions about himself.
Format
- There is no minimum or maximum page length, but it is anticipated that 3 - 5 double-spaced pages will be typical
- Use APA 5 format to cite references in your evidence review
- Consider this a professional paper: use professional language, a professional font, etc.
Students are encouraged to develop original materials for all components of the projects. However, if commercial or other non-original materials are included, a copy of the copyright information for those materials must also be included with the project submission.
