Use of Drawing to Improve Word Retrieval in Chronic Nonfluent Aphasia

Aphasia disrupts multiple language processes with anomia often being the most common problem. Compensatory strategies have been utilized for individuals with severe anomia, including writing, gesturing, and drawing (Farias, Davis, & Harrington, 2006). However, few formal programs have focused on promoting drawing as a means of communication. These typically use drawing as a substitute for language rather than a tool to enhance verbal expression (Sacchett, 2002). Furthermore, training usually emphasizes ability to recognize drawing rather than information exchange (Morgan & Helm-Estabrooks, 1987; Trupe, 1986 as cited in Sacchett, 2002). Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) is a treatment approach based on the premise that although individuals with anomia have difficulty retrieving words, ability to access features related to targets is often somewhat intact (Beeson, Holland, & Murray, 1995). The semantic system is accessed by producing words related to targets, with individuals incorporating these strategies as self-cues to retrieve target words (Boyle, 2004; Chapey, 2001; Rider & Wright, 2008). To date, this approach has aimed to enhance only verbal output. The purpose of this investigation was to examine if an individual with chronic mixed aphasia could clinically improve ability to name pictured objects through implementation of a drawing protocol. RE underwent a brief but intense treatment program incorporating drawing with SFA to improve word retrieval.