Archways: Aphasia Rehabilitation Services PLLC, 1425 Broadway #513, Seattle, WA (2026)

10/05/2026

Aphasia Research Highlights 📊 🔍 ⁣
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𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁/𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲⁣
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𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧⁣
Neumann and colleagues (2026) examined a bilingual adaptation of ECoLoGiC-Tx, a functional aphasia intervention centered on spontaneous, meaningful conversation.⁣
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𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗣-𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗔⁣
Benn and colleagues (2026) examined a novel approach to acalculia rehabilitation that moves beyond traditional drill-based practice. Four chronic stroke survivors with acquired numerical difficulties participated in group sessions combining embodied learning, playfulness, multisensory activities, and social interaction.⁣
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𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗙𝗔⁣
Hula and colleagues (2026) examined whether generating more semantic features during Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) improves naming outcomes. Forty adults with chronic post-stroke aphasia completed 42 hours of SFA over 3 weeks, randomized to generate either 11 or 5 features per trial.⁣
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𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣
Davis and colleagues (2026) reviewed 32 studies examining speech synchronization techniques in post-stroke aphasia, which involve speaking in real time alongside an auditory or audiovisual model.⁣
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𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛-𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣
Alhejji and colleagues (2026) conducted a systematic review of 67 studies examining computerized speech-language therapy (CSLT), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (Al) in aphasia rehabilitation.⁣
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09/14/2026

If spoken expression lived in one “speech area,” aphasia assessment would be much simpler.⁣
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Producing even a single word requires coordinated conceptual, lexical, phonological, and motor processes. As we move from naming to verbal fluency, sentence production, and discourse, the demands expand further.⁣
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𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟬𝟯 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 & 𝗔𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀:⁣
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🧠 Why spoken expression extends beyond Broca’s area⁣
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🔤 How the brain retrieves and prepares words⁣
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🗣️ How DIVA and GODIVA explain different aspects of speech planning and sequencing⁣
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🔗 Why sentences and discourse recruit broader language and cognitive systems⁣
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📋 How lesion information can inform clinical reasoning ⁣
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The clinical takeaway: lesion information helps shape the initial hypothesis. Performance across tasks helps us test and refine it.⁣
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When naming looks stronger than conversation, which task helps you uncover what is breaking down?⁣
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08/31/2026

Aphasia Research Highlights 📊 🔍 ⁣
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𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆/𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲⁣
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𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗣𝗛𝗬𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗘 (𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗫)⁣
Can physical exercise play a role in supporting language recovery after stroke? Ivanova et al. (2026) evaluated an 8-week, high-intensity functional interval exercise program in seven adults with chronic, primarily mild-to-moderate aphasia. ⁣
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𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣
Acalculia can significantly affect independence after stroke, yet clinicians have remarkably little evidence to guide its rehabilitation. Benn and colleagues identified only 16 published interventions involving 31 participants, plus one unpublished study. ⁣
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𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 (𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔)⁣
Northcott and colleagues (2026) explored a novel approach to aphasia rehabilitation that integrates language treatment with emotional and psychosocial support. Their codesigned EmotionaL and Language Recovery in Aphasia (ELLA) intervention combines elaborated Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and conversational practice.⁣
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𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔⁣
Archer and colleagues (2026) introduce Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) as a framework for assessing and treating the real-world conversational difficulties experienced by people with aphasia and other neurogenic communication disorders. Rather than focusing primarily on linguistic impairment, SFL examines how people use language within specific social contexts to exchange information, manage relationships, and participate in conversation.⁣
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𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗔𝗖⁣
Chen and colleagues (2026) propose a new way of conceptualizing high-technology AAC in aphasia—not simply as compensation, but as a potential tool for supporting language recovery through the TRANSCEND model (Transformation of Representation Across Neurocognitive Systems for Concept to External Navigation and Display).⁣
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08/17/2026

One speech signal. Two different mappings.⁣
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The Dual Stream Model provides an influential framework for understanding how auditory speech is mapped toward both meaning and articulatory action.⁣
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In Episode 02 of The Neurobiology of Language & Aphasia Series, we examine the dorsal and ventral streams, their contributions to speech processing, and how this framework can inform clinical reasoning in aphasia.⁣
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The model is more nuanced than simply:⁣
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Dorsal → sound to action⁣
Ventral → sound to meaning⁣
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These streams are not independent channels. They emerge from shared auditory–phonological processing and interact with broader conceptual, motor, and cognitive systems. Their hemispheric organization also differs: dorsal processing is more strongly left-lateralized, while ventral processing is more bilaterally organized.⁣
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These distinctions become particularly important in aphasia.⁣
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Impaired repetition does not necessarily indicate a “dorsal stream deficit,” just as impaired comprehension does not necessarily indicate a “ventral stream deficit.” One impaired task is a clue—not a conclusion.⁣
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Instead, we can examine patterns across tasks and conditions. How does performance change with lexicality, length, phonological complexity, support, or response demands? These contrasts can help us test hypotheses about which underlying processes may be vulnerable.⁣
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The episode concludes with a clinical reasoning case: we have the MRI before language assessment. What might we predict—and what would we assess next?⁣
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We cannot know an aphasia profile from lesion location alone. Rather, lesion information can help generate provisional hypotheses that we then test through behavioral assessment.⁣
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Clinically, the Dual Stream Model may be most useful not as a literal map of the language system, but as a framework for organizing evidence, generating hypotheses, and asking more precise questions.⁣
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In the next episode, we’ll look beyond the Dual Stream Model and consider questions that remain unresolved in contemporary language neuroscience.⁣
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08/03/2026

Aphasia Research Highlights 📊 🔍 ⁣
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𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲/𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲⁣
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𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗕𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧⁣
This study introduces Translanguaging Abstract Semantic Associative Network Treatment (TAbSANT), a bilingual adaptation of AbSANT that allows individuals with aphasia to use both of their languages during treatment rather than restricting therapy to a single language.⁣
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𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔⁣
Kean and colleagues investigated whether logical reasoning depends on natural language or relies on a distinct “language of thought.” The researchers combined tMRI in healthy adults with behavioral testing of two individuals with profound aphasia and extensive damage to language-related brain regions.⁣
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𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔⁣
Visual attention deficits (VADs) are increasingly recognized as an extra-linguistic cognitive function that can be impacted in aphaisa. In this study, researchers found that approximately 69% of individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia demonstrated clinically significant visual attention deficits.⁣
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𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗪𝗔 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣
This systematic review examined how executive functions relate to language abilities in people with post-stroke aphasia by reviewing 33 studies published between 2004 and 2024. Across the literature, 82% of studies found at least a partial relationship between executive functioning and language performance, highlighting that cognitive processes beyond language contribute to communication.⁣
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𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦⁣
This scoping review synthesized 163 studies on tumor-related aphasia (TRA) and found that it differs substantially from stroke-related aphasia. Because brain tumors often develop gradually, language organization can reorganize over time, resulting in highly variable language profiles influenced by tumor growth rate and molecular characteristics-not just lesion location.⁣
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07/28/2026

From regions to networks.⁣
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For decades, language neuroscience focused primarily on where language functions were located in the brain. But as new technologies emerged, researchers began asking different questions:⁣
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• How are brain regions connected?⁣
• When does language processing unfold?⁣
• Which regions are essential?⁣
• Can neural activity be influenced?⁣
• How does language function in real-world communication?⁣
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Each new method—from DTI and EEG to MEG, TMS, tDCS, and fNIRS—answered a different scientific question. Together, these complementary approaches transformed our understanding of language from isolated cortical regions to dynamic, distributed neural systems.⁣
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For clinicians, modern aphasia care increasingly integrates knowledge of structural connectivity, network dynamics, timing, and neuroplasticity alongside careful behavioral assessment. Rather than replacing traditional models, contemporary neuroscience provides a broader framework for understanding why people with seemingly similar lesions can present and recover so differently.⁣
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This episode traces that evolution and sets the stage for the next phase of the series: exploring how distributed neural systems support speaking, listening, reading, and writing.⁣
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Which neuroimaging method has most changed the way you think about language or aphasia? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.⁣
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06/30/2026

Aphasia Research Highlights 📊 🔍 ⁣
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𝗠𝗮𝘆/𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲⁣
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𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖-𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔⁣
This systematic review examined 33 studies of music-based interventions for aphasia. While Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) remains the most extensively studied approach, the review emphasized that rhythm, melody, prosody, motor synchronization, and even the motivational aspects of music may each contribute to language recovery by supporting neuroplasticity and engaging distributed language networks.⁣
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𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡⁣
In this study, researchers tested an aphasia-accessible ecological momentary assessment (EMA) that prompted participants to rate their mood four times per day for two weeks using simplified language, pictures, audio support, and emoji-based responses. Participants completed nearly 90% of surveys, demonstrating that people with aphasia can successfully self-report their emotional well-being when assessments are designed with accessibility in mind.⁣
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𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗬⁣
Depression, anxiety, and social isolation are common after aphasia, yet many stroke survivors struggle to access mental health services that accommodate their communication needs. In this Phase I study, researchers adapted⁣
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people with aphasia by combining mindfulness, values-based counseling, and individualized communication strategy training delivered by SLPs.⁣
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𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗣𝗦⁣
What makes an aphasia group successful? This study interviewed experienced aphasia group facilitators to identify the environmental features, room setup, and communication materials they believe best support participation and interaction. Rather than focusing on treatment techniques, the researchers explored the practical elements that help create a successful group experience.⁣
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06/15/2026

For more than a century, a central question in aphasia has revolved around where language resides in the brain.
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Broca, Wernicke, and Lichtheim gave us the first answer — specific regions tied to specific symptoms. It was a revolutionary idea and one that shaped the field for decades.⁣
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But as more patients were studied, the maps began to break down. Similar lesions produced different language profiles, while different lesions produced strikingly similar ones. Not everyone fit the maps cleanly.⁣
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Then neuroimaging changed the question itself:
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→ CT let us see the lesion in the living brain.⁣
→ MRI revealed how anatomically complex injury really was.⁣
→ PET and fMRI showed language activating across distributed systems — not a single center.⁣
→ VLSM linked specific damage to specific impairments across whole populations.⁣
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“Where is language located?” shifted to “How do multiple brain systems support language?”⁣
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This is Episode 01 · Part 1 of The Neurobiology of Language & Aphasia Series. Follow along as we learn how different neuroimaging techniques shaped our understanding of language in the brain.

Part 1 focuses primarily on technology used to determine regions of interest, while Part 2 takes us from exploring regions to networks.⁣
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If a scan can’t fully predict the patient, how much should imaging impact our clinical decisions? I’d genuinely like to hear how others navigate that, and I’ll give my own opinions on this in Part 2.⁣
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06/01/2026

Aphasia Research Highlights 📊 🔍 ⁣
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𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹/𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲⁣
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𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦/𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗔⁣
This study evaluated SWAN (Sequences in Words and Numbers), a game-based software app designed to improve foundational numeracy skills in people with post-stroke aphasia. Eighteen individuals with aphasia completed the program at home for approximately 15 minutes per day over three weeks⁣
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𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞⁣
This study examined right hemisphere language network plasticity in 76 individuals with chronic aphasia and 69 neurologically healthy controls. Using a carefully designed fMRI task, the authors found that right hemisphere language activation increased after left hemisphere stroke, but the magnitude of this activation was relatively modest.⁣
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𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡-𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗪𝗔⁣
This international survey found that SLPs across 32 countries frequently support PwA during decision-making conversations, but are less often involved in formally assessing decision-making capacity. Aphasia can mask intact decision-making abilities, making communication support essential to ensure PwA can express their preferences and participate in informed decisions.⁣
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𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗘-𝗔 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦⁣
This mixed-methods synthesis from the FATE-A (Face-to-face And Telehealth Equivalence of Assessments in Aphasia) project explored how both SLPs and PwA experience telehealth assessment by integrating survey data, focus groups, usability testing, and patient involvement workshops.⁣
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05/19/2026

Where exactly is Broca’s area? 🧠 🔍 ⁣
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Many of us were trained to think about aphasia through lesion locations and syndrome classifications.⁣
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These frameworks remain clinically valuable, but modern language neuroscience increasingly suggests that language breakdown is not explained by isolated regions alone. Language emerges from distributed networks that interact across multiple brain systems.⁣
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This shift has important clinical implications, as two patients with the same aphasia label may present very differently.⁣
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Understanding the neurobiology of language does not replace behavioral assessment or traditional aphasia classifications. Instead, it can provide a more precise framework for:⁣
→ Hypothesis generation ⁣
→ Assessment interpretation ⁣
→ Treatment planning ⁣
→ Understanding variability across patients ⁣
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This new series explores how concepts such as lesion-symptom mapping, network neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and modality-specific processing may help inform modern aphasia care.⁣
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My goal is not to make neuroscience feel abstract or inaccessible, but to translate it into clinically meaningful ideas for SLPs who work with aphasia.⁣
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I’m excited to share the series with you all!⁣
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Archways: Aphasia Rehabilitation Services PLLC

10/05/2026

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