Date of Defense

4-23-2014

Date of Graduation

4-2014

Department

Speech Pathology and Audiology

First Advisor

Gay Walker

Second Advisor

Shay Church

Abstract

My honors thesis explores aphasia, my primary topic of interest, through procedures spanning both of my degrees. Communication makes interaction possible for exchanging ideas, feelings, concepts, and events. Aphasia, an acquired disorder, impacts language areas that are responsible for expression, comprehension, literacy, and symbolic understanding. Aphasia interrupts the mental process responsible for converting thought to language. Literature involving both traditional speech and art therapy is discussed. Once the aphasia disorder type is assessed, a speech language pathologist designs a therapy plan. Art, which has been used in therapy and research for rehabilitation, shares a connection with language and symbolic thought. Art aids in improving quality of life, adding to meaningful existence, and expressing ideas and emotions that the disorder restricts through language. Case studies evaluating the effect of aphasia on drawing abilities, use of drawing as a compensatory strategy to accompany speech, and the use of drawing as language are reviewed. In all of these contexts, research indicates that the use of art therapy in aphasia rehabilitation is beneficial. Along with the literature review, an art exhibit including pieces specific to aphasia was created. The artwork was both reflective of personal reflections on aphasia as well as interpretations of the literature material. Media includes a variety of ceramic clay bodies and firing techniques and a mixed media collage. These pieces function as a capstone because I have chosen to pursue ceramics as my medium of choice. The mixed media collage was made using the same methods I used when creating my three pieces for applying to the Frostic School of Art, and the research paper reflects the research-driven practice in speech-language pathology.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Art and Aphasia PP.pdf (1107 kB)
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