Living with aphasia: Three Indigenous Australian stories

Armstrong, Elizabeth; Hersh, Deborah; Hayward, Colleen; Fraser, Joan B; Brown, Melita

doi:10.3109/17549507.2011.663790

Cited by 31 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…There were, however, a few participants who did not speak of aphasia being tragic, instead focussing on other aspects of their lives and identities. This finding is in accord with the experiences of some Aboriginal Australians with aphasia as described by Armstrong et al (2012).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

“…The study thoroughly explored cultural experiences of aphasia, which is relevant to this discussion, but it did not take place within an Indigenous population. The only study focusing on Indigenous experiences of aphasia is a pilot study by Armstrong, Hersh, Hayward, Fraser, and Brown (2012), who explored the experiences of aphasia for three Aboriginal men in Western Australia. The participants demonstrated that they valued independence and wanted to control their own recovery.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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“For Māori, language is precious. And without it we are a bit lost”: Māori experiences of aphasia

et al. 2013

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Background: Experiences of aphasia are shaped by culture. Therefore, to provide appropriate services for people with aphasia (PWA), speech-language therapists (SLTs) must understand aphasia from their potential clients' cultural perspective. Aims: This study aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of Māori with aphasia and their whānau (extended family), to inform service delivery for this population. Methods & Procedures:This study is kaupapa Māori research (KMR), an Indigenous research approach that privileges Māori culture and knowledge. A qualitative methodology, interpretive description (ID), was incorporated to produce clinically relevant findings that will benefit SLTs and Māori. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 11 Māori with aphasia and their nominated whānau members. Participants spoke about aphasia-related changes in relationships, health, spirituality, activities and family and community roles. Analysis was informed by interpretive description (ID) and kaupapa Māori. Outcomes & Results: Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences of aphasia. These developed into two pairs of themes: (1) "Grieving for what is lost" and "Recognising what we have got" (2) "It is hard" and "Choosing how to respond". Conclusions: Aphasia can have a profound effect on Māori families and bring many changes in family roles and relationships. Despite difficulties, whānau can actively manage their situation, and enable the person with aphasia to participate in the whānau and community. The findings of this study will inform clinical practice and provide the basis for the development of resources for use in speech-language therapy services for Māori with aphasia and their whānau.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“For Māori, language is precious. And without it we are a bit lost”: Māori experiences of aphasia

et al. 2013

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“…While data are available on incidence, mortality and risk factors for stroke in Aboriginal Australians [3][4][5], relatively little information is available on functional consequences in this group. Exceptions to this lack of information include an article related to the stories of three Aboriginal men with aphasia after stroke [6]. These stories constitute preliminary case reports related to the larger study being described in this paper.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Communication disorders after stroke in Aboriginal Australians

Armstrong

Hersh

Hayward

et al. 2014

Disability and Rehabilitation

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While similar life disruptions were found to those previously reported in the general stroke population, this study highlighted differences, which reflect the particular context of ACD for Aboriginal people and which need to be considered when planning future services. While implications are limited due to small numbers, the findings emphasise the importance of a holistic approach, and integration of communication treatments into community-led social activities. Implications for Rehabilitation Aboriginal Australians frequently experience a range of concurrent and complex co-morbidities and demanding social or family circumstances at the same time as coping with communication disorders post-stroke. A holistic approach to post stroke rehabilitation may be appropriate with services that accommodate communication disorders, delivered in collaboration with Aboriginal organisations, emphasising positive attitudes and reintegration into community as fully as possible. Communication and yarning are important for maintaining family and community connection and identity, and family and community context should be incorporated into all assessment and treatment activities.

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“…Along with the lack of information about SP's practice in this area, is the fact that Aboriginal people, despite their high rates of stroke and acquired brain injury, are relatively under-represented in SP rehabilitation services, possibly through under-referral, early discharge or self-discharge [13]. This suggests that what is currently offered may not be meeting their needs effectively [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

A narrative analysis of a speech pathologist’s work with Indigenous Australians with acquired communication disorders

Hersh

Armstrong

Bourke

2014

Disability and Rehabilitation

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Individual, detailed narratives are useful in exposing the challenges and clinical reasoning behind culturally sensitive practice. Implications for Rehabilitation Speech pathologists (SPs) can learn from hearing the clinical stories of colleagues with experience of providing rehabilitation in culturally diverse contexts, as well as from ongoing training in culturally competent and safe practices. Such stories help bridge understanding from the general to the particular. SPs working with Indigenous Australians with acquired communication disorders post-stroke and brain injury may find it helpful to consider how the themes, drawn from an interview with the clinician in this study - flexibility, awareness of cultural context, person-centredness, being practical and working ethically - might apply to their practice. Narratives may be helpful in staff training and form an important part of the SP evidence base.

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Living with aphasia: Three Indigenous Australian stories

Cited by 31 publications

References 26 publications

“For Māori, language is precious. And without it we are a bit lost”: Māori experiences of aphasia

“For Māori, language is precious. And without it we are a bit lost”: Māori experiences of aphasia

Communication disorders after stroke in Aboriginal Australians

A narrative analysis of a speech pathologist’s work with Indigenous Australians with acquired communication disorders

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