INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation is proud to offer the only aphasia clinic in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to speak and understand others, but does not affect intelligence.
Stroke and brain injury are the most common causes of aphasia. While it typically affects those 45 and older, the under 45 age group is the fastest growing group of stroke and brain injury patients in the United States. There has been a 44 percent increase in the number of young Americans hospitalized due to stroke in the last decade.
“With stroke rates on the rise, especially among young adults, this type of specialized care is becoming more necessary,” says Susan Dowell, M.S., CCC-SLP, lead speech-language pathologist for the new clinic. “Aphasia can be frustrating for patients and family members alike and is often misunderstood. At the clinic, we educate families and caregivers about the condition and how they can best support their loved one.”
Aphasia affects everyone differently and communication problems can last a long time. Improvement is possible, particularly if speech language therapy is provided. The INTEGRIS Aphasia Clinic brings people living with the disorder together in a support group fashion, allows them the opportunity to work on communication skills with a variety of conversation partners and gives them the chance to participate in special aphasia group activities devoted to specific interests. The group meets once a week.
Clinics will be held every Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Outpatient Rehabilitation at 4100 S. Douglas Ave., Oklahoma City. The cost is $75 for each 4-week session, including an initial evaluation
For more information or to schedule an aphasia evaluation, contact Susan Dowell at 405-644-5445 or visit integrisok.com/rehabilitation.
