When a patient with aphasia struggles to write assigned words, what support can the SLP provide?

Providing letter tiles for writing practice is an effective support strategy for a patient with aphasia who struggles with writing. This method allows the individual to engage in a tactile and visual way of constructing words, which can facilitate their understanding of letter formation and spelling. The use of letter tiles can also enhance the patient’s ability to focus on the physical act of writing without being overwhelmed by the complexity of writing with a pen or pencil.

Using letter tiles caters to the need for multisensory learning, which is beneficial in addressing language challenges. This approach can help bridge the gap in the patient's expressive language skills by providing concrete tools to assist in their writing tasks. It offers a structured and supportive environment, making the writing process more manageable and less frustrating for the individual.

In contrast, additional verbal instructions may not improve writing skills significantly without the tactile engagement that letter tiles provide. Reducing the number of target words might simplify tasks, but it does not specifically target the writing difficulty itself. Increasing the frequency of follow-up calls would not directly assist the patient with the actual writing challenge at hand, focusing instead on communication rather than skill practice.