Can I come along? Focusing on activities in the community for a better understanding of the participation of a man living with severe poststroke expressive aphasia.
Carole Anglade, Claire Croteau, Guylaine Le Dorze
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
An ethnographic case study followed a man with severe poststroke expressive aphasia during six community outings over ten weeks, examining interactions with unfamiliar service providers. Although his verbal expression was severely limited, he completed varied service-based interactions autonomously and expressed confidence in carrying out tasks and being seen as a “good client.” He used non-verbal communication, selectively disclosed his aphasia, and drew on markers of social competence. His confidence varied by context and was actively maintained. The findings indicate that meaningful participation in these encounters may be supported by resources beyond speech.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights autonomous participation in everyday service interactions despite severe expressive aphasia, with confidence and social positioning supported by non-verbal and relational strategies.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Assess participation in aphasia beyond verbal output: non-verbal communication, selective disclosure, confidence, and interactional positioning can support independent engagement in community service encounters.
Why it matters
Service interactions have specific demands, including brevity and implicit social norms; rehabilitation can include opportunities to anticipate, rehearse, and reflect on these contexts.