| On this Families
in Focus two-part special, we examine the many issues surrounding
the impact Aphasia has on the patient and their families.
We'll help viewers understand this condition and help cargivers
find the support and tools they need to provide their loved
one with the best opportunity for recovery. The panel discusses
the causes of aphasia, dispels myths and misconceptions
surrounding recovery from brain trauma, treatment options,
lack of adequate insurance to cover the required extensive
therapy, role of the family and caregiver in the recovery
process, and new research that offers aphasics new hope.
Aphasia is a disorder of the brain. It is a communication
disorder caused by damage to one or more regions of the
brain that control language skills. People with aphasia
may not be able to express themselves verbally or in writing,
or they may not understand spoken or written language.
Tape Piece - Produced by Paula M. Levine,
this show begins with a mini-documentary that profiles Paul
Benson and Eileen Erikson, whose family is coping with Aphasia.
Imagine if you couldn't answer the phone ... if you couldn't
write your own name ... if you wanted to say "yes",
but actually said "no". If you can imagine all of
these things, you've just imagined what it's like to have
Aphasia, a language disorder that results from damage to portions
of the brain. Paul Benson knows these symptoms all too well.
In January of 2005, he had a stroke. Not only did it effect
the right side of his body, but also his ability to both understand
and express himself. The Adler Aphasia Center is helping him
to recover his voice and his life. We visit the Center and
see their classes in action. We speak with Executive Director,
Karen Tucker, as well as Speech Pathologist, Ginette Abbanat.
Then follow Paul and Eileen home to see what adjustments they've
had to make around their house in order to live with Paul's
new reality.
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Elaine Adler
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Mike Adler |
Guests
Dr. Ronald Lazar – Professor of Clinical
Neuro-psychology for the Neurological Institute at Columbia
University.
Barbara Martin – Executive Board President
of the National Aphasia Association. Barbara has been living
with aphasia for 23 years.
Elaine and Mike Adler – Mike is
also living with Aphasia. He and his wife co-founded the
Adler Aphasia Center.
Shirley Morganstein – A speech language
pathologist in private practice who works with clients living
with aphasia.
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