Standard Aphasia Evaluation

The Center offers comprehensive evaluations to assess the speech and language skills of individuals diagnosed with aphasia, apraxia, or dysarthria. Formal and informal assessment tools are used to examine speaking, understanding, reading, and writing abilities. Memory and thinking skills may be tested as well as needed. A critical component of the evaluation is to determine if the individual is able to use some types of compensatory strategies (such as a communication book, gesturing, drawing, or writing) for communication. Another area of evaluation is whether specific computer programs provide a viable treatment option for the individual. These components result in a comprehensive analysis of the individual’s language abilities and potential.

After the evaluation is completed, the speech-language pathologist meets with the individual with aphasia and the family members. The individual’s test performance is reviewed and prognosis for further improvement is discussed. Specific recommendations may include enrollment in our University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP), as well as the intensity of the therapy program, therapy goals, and suggestions for home practice.

The evaluation and discussion typically last four hours. A comprehensive report is sent to the individual and family within three weeks.