Welcome to Our Specialist Aphasia Services Page

At STAR Space, we specialise in comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals with aphasia.
Our goal is to empower these individuals to regain functional communication skills, improve their quality of life,
and promote meaningful connections with family and friends.

Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the language centre and its networks in brain, most commonly following a stroke. It affects the ability to speak, understand spoken language, read, and write. People affected by aphasia experience reduced quality of life and psychosocial well-being, including depression, reduced activity levels, and communication disability. Other communication difficulties may occur with aphasia.

These Include: Dysarthria, Cognitive-Communication Difficulties, and Apraxia.

A motor speech disorder causing slurred or slow speech due to weak or uncoordinated speech muscles, making it hard to articulate sounds clearly.

Challenges with memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive function that impair the ability to process language, follow conversations, and organise thoughts.

A speech disorder where the brain has difficulty coordinating the movements needed for speech, causing inconsistent and effortful speech production.

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APHASIA & NEUROLOGICAL COMMUNICATION

See below for our list of processes and interventions/support offered

APHASIA THERAPY PROCESS

THE ROLE OF A SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPIST IN APHASIA REHABILITATION

Speech-language therapists play a critical role in the assessment and intervention process for individuals with aphasia and associated communication difficulties. Our holistic approach is person-centered, which means that we focus on the individual’s unique communication and psychosocial needs, and life circumstances.

APHASIA ASSESSMENT

The assessment process is designed to:

  1. Understand the client’s goals and priorities—what they want to achieve in their daily life and communication.
  2. Explore the specific difficulties the client is experiencing with communication
  3. Identify the strengths and support systems of the individual and their family.

By tailoring the assessment to the client’s goals, we gain a deeper understanding of how aphasia is impacting their life and use this information to design an individualised rehabilitation plan.

APHASIA INTERVENTION

Our aphasia therapy is tailored to align with each client's unique needs:

  • Communication goals: Targeting personal and meaningful objectives to improve daily communication.
  • Preferences, interests, and hobbies: Incorporating activities and topics that resonate with the client to enhance engagement and motivation.
  • Family involvement and daily environment: Ensuring therapy reflects real-life contexts, maximising the relevance and impact of interventions.

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Types of Interventions Offered

Speech and Language Rebuilding

  • Focused functional exercises designed to restore and strengthen language abilities.
  • Activities to enhance relevant and meaningful vocabulary, sentence formation, and conversational fluency.
  • Techniques aimed at making communication more natural and less effortful over time.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support

  • Comprehensive training in the use of AAC devices for individuals with significant communication barriers.
  • Guidance on selecting and personalising AAC systems, including apps, picture boards, and speech-generating devices.
  • Support in integrating AAC into daily routines for seamless communication.
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Functional Communication Skills Training

  • Practical strategies to enhance day-to-day interactions.
  • Real-world scenarios, such as ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, or participating in social events.
  • Focus on building confidence in handling common communication challenges.

Communication Partner Training

  • Training for family members and caregivers to teach significant others in strategies to support effective communication, creating a supportive environment for the person with aphasia.
  • Strategies to reduce frustration and foster meaningful interactions at home.
  • Encouragement of a collaborative approach to therapy for continuous progress.
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Group Therapy and Conversation Groups

  • Facilitated sessions for individuals with aphasia to practice conversational skills in a supportive group setting.
  • Opportunities to share experiences, build social connections, and gain mutual encouragement.
  • Real-time conversation practice to boost confidence and fluency.
  • Past group offerings include:
    + Small group aphasia therapy
    + Shy communicators group
    + Living well with aphasia for family members and friends
    + Living well with aphasia for people with aphasia
    + Mild aphasia workshops.

Support for Quality of life and Psychosocial Wellbeing

  • Counselling and strategies to address the emotional impact of living with aphasia
  • Support groups to reduce feelings of isolation and promote social connections.
  • Activities to build self-esteem, resilience, and a positive outlook on recovery.
  • Stress management techniques and coping strategies for both clients and their families.
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At STAR Space, our experienced team is dedicated to helping individuals with aphasia regain communication
skills, independence, and confidence. Let us guide you or your loved one on the path to
rebuilding effective, meaningful communication.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can support your journey.

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