Clinical Influences

Abstract

Mark Ylvisaker influenced a paradigm shift on approaches to assessment and intervention of individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This article describes the influence of Mark Ylvisaker on my speech-language therapy practice in TBI rehabilitation, from shaping assessment research through supporting a practical, problem-solving approach to intervention. In this article, only a small selection of his therapeutic concepts and recommendations are described. The concepts selected-context and meaningfulness, collaboration, and measuring performance-are those that are pertinent to functional communication assessment. The three interventions chosen illustrate the applicability of Mark Ylvisaker's work in different contexts and across different levels of disability following TBI. They are also selected as they promote personally satisfying communication for the client and illustrate the contribution that speech-language therapy may make to TBI rehabilitation overall.