Considerations for Treatment Options That Can Facilitate and Enhance Discourse Production

Abstract

This chapter provides a review of published therapy techniques or approaches that focus on improving discourse-level impairments. Various methods to strengthen word retrieval in aphasic discourse are first described. The theory behind communication-based and drill-based discourse interventions in aphasia, and how to differentiate between the two, are summarized. The significance of using multi-modal communication training in discourse treatment is then discussed, followed by the presentation of basic principles to enhance social communication skills among speakers with brain injuries. Next, the relationships between cognitive rehabilitation and discourse production among speakers with brain injuries are given. The basic principles of discourse training among speakers with right hemisphere damage or dementia are subsequently discussed. Finally, how conversational therapy, group therapy, and training of communication partners can be applied to enhance discourse production in speakers with aphasia, traumatic brain injury, and dementia is explained and illustrated. This chapter ends with ideas around selection of appropriate treatment strategies based on one’s impaired discourse performance. The use of discourse competency to demonstrate treatment outcome is also addressed.