Identifying Relevant Aphasia Assessment for Non-English Speaking and Bilingual Clients

This survey aims to collect data on which aphasia assessment is most relevant to translate for use with clients whose native language isn’t currently represented by norm-referenced testing. Aphasia is an acquired language disorder commonly caused by strokes or traumatic brain injuries that impacts receptive and expressive communication skills. Currently, speech language pathologists (SLPs) use assessments including the Western Aphasia Battery Revised (WAB-R) and the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB) to effectively diagnose patients. This study surveys SLPs practicing internationally to identify experience level with aphasia clients, preferred assessment methods, and which types of questions regarding bilingualism are asked before assessment. A variety of question types are used on the online survey to gather both qualitative and quantitative data, which will help identify the assessment most appropriate for translation. Approximately 22% of individuals speak a language other than English at home (United States Census Bureau, 2023). When clients are assessed in their native language, it ensures the diagnosis better represents all of their language use, not just the language conveniently assessed by an SLP. Accurate assessment can then inform the treatment used (Kasenga & Fahey, 2024). For example, in fluent aphasia, the therapist would work on building awareness of speech errors, whereas nonfluent aphasia could require helping the client feel comfortable increasing their communicative output. Effective SLPs have an ethical responsibility to work with clients from all backgrounds, even when language barriers present challenges, and this study helps initiate that process for individuals experiencing aphasia who require assessment in alternate languages. Kasenga, S., Fahey, K. (2024). Scoping Review on Bilingual Aphasia Assessments. 2024 University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research, Missoula, MT, United States. U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. (2023). Selected Characteristics of the Native and Foreign-Born Populations. American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S0501. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2023.S0501?q=american+community+survey+language.