Internet Use in Aphasia

Abstract

Purpose: This article uses an illustrative case example to discuss a means of producing a holistic profile of Internet use for individuals with aphasia. Methods: The authors used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as a framework to select novel and existing assessments to explore the Internet use and skills of a 74-year-old retired academic with severe aphasia. Results: Quantitative and qualitative assessment results revealed that language impairment, nonverbal impairment, nonverbal aspects of cognition, and hemiparesis had an impact on the individual's ability to use the Internet independently for many previous professional activities; however, relevant Personal Factors showed him to have strong goals and motivation to continue to use the Internet for email and gaining information about topics such as sports. Consideration of Environmental Factors provided insight into barriers and facilitators to Internet use and into the skills of people providing support. Discussion/conclusions: This approach to profiling Internet use in aphasia may be clinically useful in identifying key factors at work to guide information gathering and decision making with people with aphasia. Implications about SLP preparation and funding policies related to therapeutic priorities also are discussed.