Script Training for Aphasia

Script Training was initially developed to promote verbal communication on client-selected topics (Holland, Milman, Munoz, & Bays,2002). Goal is for individuals for whom speech is no longer automatic to produce islands of fluent speech in conversation.
Previously used as a treatment approach to improve automatic language production in adults with aphasia
To become automatic, scripts must be practiced as phrase or sentence-length units vs. syllable or ‘one word at a time’ approach (Youmans, Holland, Munoz, & Bourgeois, 2005)
For individuals with expressive speech difficulties repeated practice of phrases and sentences can lead to automatic and effortless speech productions
Each script should consist of 3-4 relatively short sentences
Example: Conversation Starters:
How are your grandchildren?
Good morning.
I’ll see you later
What’s new?
Utilize cuing hierarchy to introduce scripts
— Phrase repetition
— Choral reading with clinician
— Independent production
When the person with aphasia can produce a newly trained script at least 20 consecutive times, a new script is added or more info is added to the mastered script.
It is expected to practice scripts at home for 15 minutes per day. The script can be recorded on a phone video for visual feedback to practice along with
Once a script is mastered, generalization training is initiated (using it in real life!)

Waitress: Hello, what Can I get you today?

Person with Aphasia: I’d like a hamburger with lettuce and tomato.

Waitress: Anything else?

Person with Aphasia: I’d like French fries.

Waitress: What would you like to drink?

Person with Aphasia: I’d like a large coke.

Hi Mike

How are you?

What did you do today?

I love you.

Goodbye.