Significant others' perceptions of speech pathology services for thai aphasic speakers

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of significant others (SOs) of Thai aphasic speakers about their preferences for treatment objectives for their aphasic speakers, desired roles in speech pathology services, and optimism about the future improvement in the communication of the aphasic speakers. Correlations between the SOs' perceptions and 10 selected demographic variables were also examined. Pragmatic treatment objectives were preferred to those that aimed for linguistic accuracy. SOs perceived they should work with speech pathologists by participating in most areas of speech pathology services, and they were generally more optimistic than speech pathologists about the aphasic speakers' future improvement in their communication skills. Eight of the 10 demographic variables correlated significantly with one or more of the SOs' perceptions. Four were especially associated with their perceptions—severity of aphasia, time post-onset, length of therapy and household size.