A communication disorder can have a profound impact on many aspects of a person’s life, including school, work, leisure, and social relationships. Sudden changes, such as those that occur after stroke or other illness, as well as more gradual difficulties, such as those associated with age-related hearing loss, can negatively affect interactions with other people and engagement in daily activities. This journal self-study explores how social networks and feelings of isolation or loneliness may change when a person experiences communication difficulties. It also looks at how well SLPs and audiologists recognize and address the social and emotional needs of their patients during treatment. Clinicians working with older adults with speech, language, and hearing disorders will come away with a better understanding of the impact of social and familial support on patient success and how to better address these needs when planning treatment.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• discuss the importance of addressing life participation in treatment planning
• describe factors that may influence social networks after disability
• discuss the benefits of social support on a person’s health and well-being
• explain the role that family members play in a person’s rehabilitation success

Learning Assessment
Online, multiple-choice exam

Related Courses

This course is part of the Aphasia Intervention learning path. What is a learning path? A learning path is a curated set of courses on an essential topic, designed for you to take in order—or in whatever order you wish—as you have time in your schedule. Our learning paths identify sets of key courses so you can get on your way to mastering particular areas of practice according to your needs, priorities, and interests.