Script Training for Aphasia

Script Training information excerpted from “Evidence Based Aphasia Therapy after 15 years — Now What?” by Sharon M. Halloran,
November 4, 2015

  • 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!)

     An Example of  Simple Scripts for Practice:

     1.  Restaurant Ordering:

      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. 

     2.  Phone Conversation:

      Hi Mike

      How are you? 

      What did you do today?

      I love you.

      Goodbye.

    Other possible topics:

  • Stories from life (stroke story, introducing yourself, retelling an event)
  • Prayers
  • making plans
  • anything that could be useful in real life situations!
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