Treatment for Pediatric Aphasia: A Critical Review

Abstract

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to summarize the current state-of-science for principles and practices of intervention in acquired pediatric aphasia (APA). A secondary aim was to identify gaps in research regarding interventional frameworks, and to identify key areas of future inquiry to optimize language outcomes. Conclusions: Although epidemiologic data indicate rising incidence in  APA, limited research on recovery and intervention exists. Results suggest that language intervention supports aphasia recovery; however, available data lack adequate description of methodologies to make crosscomparisons and dosage recommendations possible. Evidence from observational studies suggests that a) pediatric recovery is not necessarily more rapid nor complete than adult recovery; b) principles of neuroplasticity may be applied to pediatric aphasia; however prognostication may be affected by developmental stage and presence of immature language networks; and, c) aphasia symptoms related to literacy may extend into adulthood, even after functional communication has been established. Clinical implications as well as recommendations for research are discussed in light of evidence.