Statistics show that persons with aphasia tend to be isolated from other persons with aphasia. This is the result of several factors, such as lack of area resources, lack of knowledge in the medical community about aphasia, and lack of direction from medical professionals before you are discharged from therapy. If you use Google or other search engines, you'll realize that there really aren't alot of information or resources out there. It's even rarer to find something near to your location. Family and friends may have slowly dropped out the social scene because they feel uncomfortable about interaction. So many times I hear that the person with aphasia is just sitting at home watching TV. This "activity" isn't helping anyone recover unless they are actively engaging in the process, which is hard to do with a TV.
If there aren't any aphasia support groups or aphasia centers in your area (check at www.aphasia.org), one solution could be to find support or treatment online. I have recently become acquainted with Bill Connors at the Aphasia Solutions Network (www.aphasiatoolbox.com), whose therapists have both group and individual sessions online. I tried it out myself today and found that there really isn't too much technological knowledge needed on my end. I speak with people all over the country who don't have the financial resources or perhaps the physical capabilities to attend our intensive program, and I think this may be an option. Especially for younger persons with aphasia, social isolation is devastating. The online groups would provide socialization while helping to improve the aphasia. Like our aphasia center, the ASN will work with your financial situation to provide affordable therapy. With all of the technology available today, there's no reason not to try it! Let me know what YOU think!
Lori
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Welcome back. Have missed your blog entries (and have been VERY lazy re my own). My husband (who has primary progressive aphasia) and I are on our way to Sydney where we will be attending the national conference of the Australian Aphasia Association. Check out the AAA website in coming weeks to see some of the proceedings from this conference (http://www.aphasia.org.au/NationalEvents.htm). I will be getting back to my blog again soon, so please visit us now and then on http://doonandiddlysquat.blogspot.com/. We now have a wonderful aphasia support group in our area (Sunshine Coast, state of Queensland, Australia). We are seven couples who first met at an aphasia clinic. Now we meet once a fortnight for conversation, helpful activities and social contact. It's a godsend. Finding other people to share your journey with is critical. Good luck.
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