A multiple-case study testing the implementation of a non-aphasia-specific app into evidence-based therapy

Abstract

Digital treatments on tablet computers have become increasingly popular to deliver speech and language therapy. Practice guidelines have been proposed to successfully integrate non-aphasia-specific apps into rehabilitation, but few evidence-based reports are available yet. Three individuals with acquired language disorders trained at home with a mainstream app containing personalized material. The treatment plan was specific to each individual and supervised by a speech and language therapist. All three participants showed significant improvements in picture naming that were specific to the treated items and treatment gains were overall maintained after a couple of months. Treatments carefully designed and delivered in an app led to specific language improvements similar to those previously reported in the literature with or without technology. There is presently no proof that ready-to-go dedicated apps are more effective than this kind of mainstream app allowing the creation and adaptation of materials and tasks to evidence-based knowledge.