A disorder, caused by disease or injury to the brain, that robs individuals of their ability to communicate through speech. In many cases, the ability to read, write, and understand others' speech is also impaired. The center is a collaboration involving the Speech, Voice and Swallowing Center at UPMC Passavant and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Communication Science and Disorders School of Health and Rehabilitation. Currently, it is one of the few centers in the United States to focus exclusively on aphasia by offering the combination of individual, group, and intensive treatment as well as caregiver and support groups. The treatment offered at the center can improve the quality of life for most everyone who struggles with chronic aphasia, even those who have not received treatment for two or more years.
All patients receive a thorough diagnostic assessment before they begin treatment.
After that evaluation, the center's professionals will develop a treatment program specific to a patient's particular needs and also decide on the frequency of treatment. Patients and caregivers receive progress reports on a regular basis. Some patients have benefited significantly from a week-long intensive treatment program. A residential program is available for patients who are not from the Pittsburgh area. To read what a few of our patients have to say, visit What Our Patients Are Saying.