Controlled Situation Communicator

1. Controlled Situation Communicator

2. Controlled-Situation Communicator: • Persistent global, Broca’s, or Wernicke’s aphasia. • Does not have the linguistic ability to consistently initiate communication acts (despite automatic skills). • Without assistance may be isolated in a social situation.

3. Controlled-Situation Communicator (a little more detail): • Aware of environment, yet frustrated by inability to communicate other than frowning or sighing. • Too limb apraxic to gesture • Speech is stereotypic or nonexistent. • Perform poorly on standardized tests of: auditory comp, reading, writing (global). • Every communication attempt ends in a “short circuit.” • Emotional outbursts due to too many questions, speakers, noise, and changes in routine.

4. Controlled-Situation Communicator can participate when: • Communication strategies and tools are controlled, predictable, or routine. • Written or graphic choices are provided by partners. • Participation partner

5. Partner-supported communication • Takes the burden of performance of the patient and places it one the conversational dyad. • Exchanges can occur if a partner learns to anticipate possible responses and present them as graphic choices. • Communication of wants and needs, and maintenance of social etiquette. • Additional success with: linguistic processing, information exchange, social enjoyment, opinions, advice, and preferences.

6. Skills: • #1: To call for attention or assistance • #2:To introduce self in structured communication situations. • #3: To communicate biographical information by pointing to contextual written choices • #4: To communicate specific information in answer to a question within a topic of interest by pointing to contextual written choices. • #5: To communicate opinions, preferences, and other qualitative responses to questions by pointing to a number on a five-point rating scale. • #6: To communicate social etiquette phrases by pointing to written phrases on structured situations. • #7: To communicate additional information when asked a question about a “topic starter” photograph, memento, or sentence.

7. Skill #1 • To call for attention or assistance • Using a standard squeeze or push-button nurse call signal in the patient’s room or lounge.

8. Skill #2 • To introduce self in structured communication situations • Point to written name and address by using a small card

9. Scanned image here

10. Skill #3 • To communicate biographical information by pointing to contextual written choices. • Patient visually scans written choices • Points to correct information regarding: marital status, number of children, hometown, state of birth, or profession • 2-4 choices

11. Scanned image

12. Skill #4 • To communicate specific information in answer to a question within a topic of interest by pointing to contextual written choices. • Partner initiates conversation • Writes contextual choices while asking questions

13. Skill #5 • To communicate opinions, preferences, and other qualitative responses to questions by pointing to a number on a five-point rating scale. Example: How do you like your Mexican food? Very mild Average Very hot 1 2 3 4 5

14. Skill #6 • To communicate social etiquette phrases by pointing to written phrases in structured situations • Using a card containing symbolized, printed, or typed social etiquette phrases • Example: Thank you, I’m sorry, Pardon me, Have a good day!

15. Scanned image

16. Skill #7 • To communicate additional information when asked a question about a “topic starter” photograph, memento, or sentence. • Clinician or family member will provide a clear plastic sleeve, envelope, or holder for photographs of earlier times, recent activities. • Patient can initiate a topic by pointing to the picture, indicating that they want to talk about that particular topic. • Topic items need to be renewed on a regular basis.