Aphasia sufferers receive treatment from university program
Released: December 19, 2006
Tom Linskens (right) uses a communication
book to talk with group member Gerry Sawtelle.
Talking, reading and writing are all ways to communicate. Many of us take these communication skills for granted. There are some of us, though, who have lost the ability to communicate, and know the value of communication. A program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater helps these individuals regain that ability to communicate.
The Aphasia Group and Individual Treatment is practicum training for speech pathology graduate students who help treat aphasia sufferers. Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to the language centers of the brain. As a result, people previously able to speak, listen, read and write become limited in their communication. The most common cause of aphasia is a stroke, but other traumatic damage or injury to the brain can also cause aphasia.
The program is a partnership with Fort HealthCare. Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Roxanne DePaul heads up the program with two graduate clinicians who help lead and facilitate the program. "These students have a lot of responsibility, but it's a great part of their lives," DePaul said.
Anna Rettenmund and Michelle Raccio are both second-year graduate clinicians in the Communicative Sciences and Disorders program. Their goal is to increase the opportunities for aphasia sufferers to communicate in any way they can, whether it's talking, gesturing or using communication wallets and other assistive devices.
"I have learned a great deal of knowledge about aphasia and how to facilitate communication in adults with neurological damage," Raccio said. Rettenmund has also learned a great deal and is glad to have the knowledge. "It has been a great experience being a part of the process of helping individuals to regain their ability to effectively communicate," she said.
There are six men who attend the Aphasia Group and Individual Treatment, ranging in age from 38-78 and in severity. Two of the men suffered a traumatic head injury, while the others had strokes.
This program is aimed to train graduate students to be speech pathologists, and is for a limited number of individuals whose insurance will no longer cover their treatment. DePaul feels that this program is the most practical way to help aphasia sufferers. "This group gives these men the opportunity to meet other people with similar problems," DePaul said. "We want to help them re-enter normal life."
Tom Linskens, 78, of East Troy suffers from aphasia because of a stroke he had in December 2001. He has attended the Aphasia Group and Individual Treatment since 2002. "This group has helped him a lot and it's given him more confidence in people," said Linskens' wife Sharon. "Tom used to be very verbal, but he sometimes wants to withdraw because he feels that people judge him. That doesn't happen here, though."
Linskens has played the harmonica for many years. He sometimes brings his harmonica and plays for the group. "He likes the encouragement when he plays," Sharon said. "He feels like it is part of his identity now."
Sharon is thankful for the wonderful support group provided by the university. "The staff is superb," she said. "UW-Whitewater does a tremendous job. It's a joy to come here. Everyone is very supportive and they make us all feel at ease. At first Tom couldn't handle the aphasia. I think he's finally made peace with his affliction."
Bruno Dillun, 72, of Palmyra also suffers from aphasia due to a stroke in August 2000. He started out with speech therapy at Fort HealthCare and after a recommendation has been coming to the Aphasia Group and Individual Treatment since the summer 2001.
"He still doesn't talk much," Dillun's sister Pam Breidenbach said. "He still uses motions and clams up sometimes." Breidenbach described Dillun's experience so far as helpful, but the changes aren't immediate. This treatment has been more help to his confidence.
This program helps train Communicative Sciences and Disorders graduate students, but it also helps train certain individuals with aphasia to communicate. It benefits all who are involved. "Were very grateful to come here," Breidenbach said.- Abby Clark,clarkae12@uww.edu
