People Living with Aphasia Network

Peer Support

People living with aphasia deserve to be supported by their communities.

Why peer support?

Speech therapists are in short supply, and few of them come from the same communities as most people with aphasia. Speech therapists are almost all white women, but the Centers for Disease Control reports that people of color, especially men of color, are more likely to have strokes and therefore aphasia. This lopsided ratio shapes the form and culture of treatment. Some researchers have studied the effectiveness of peer therapy. Under this approach, people with aphasia, who are likely more culturally compatible with each other, work together to improve their speech. Some results have been promising. We need to know the most effective models of peer therapy and how they work.

  • There are not enough speech therapists
  • People of color are at high risk for stroke
  • 93% speech therapists are white women
  • Peer therapy helps people with aphasia support each other
  • This can be a better cultural match
  • Need access to peer therapy
  • Need to know how peer therapy works

Resources

Results of a study about supporting well-being in people with aphasia through peer-befriending

  • The SUPERB (Supporting well-being in people with aphasia thru Peer befriending) study explored peer befriending for aphasia.
  • 10 people who have had aphasia for some years were trained to be peer befrienders. 56 people who have got aphasia more recently were participants in this study.
  • They received visits from trained befrienders.
  • Participants found the study process straightforward and acceptable.
  • Befrienders provided empathy, support, and shared coping strategies.
  • People with new aphasia in the befriending program had better depression scores.
  • Peer befriending is a promising intervention for aphasia.

Race, Aphasia, & Peer Support

Black people with aphasia reflect on the lack of representation, both in the therapists that serve them and within community services.

Video created by Gary Delgado & Channing Kennedy

Peer Support Models

Peer support is compared to other types of therapy groups.

Slides created by Gary Delgado

View Slideshow

What helps aphasia

People with aphasia talk about what has helped them, including singing, playing guitar, and cooking.

Video directed by Gary Delgado and created by Chelsea Miller

BACK TO TOP ↑