Working With Adults With Acquired Brain Injury : Perspectives and Approaches for Speech and Language Therapists

Working with Adults with Acquired Brain Injury is for clinicians who wish to transcend diagnostic labels and work in a patient centred way to achieve individuals’ goals. In it, practising speech and language therapists share their experience of applying theory to practice when working with adults who have sustained brain injuries that require post-acute rehabilitation.

The text introduces key overarching themes which influence every area of clinical work with adults with brain injury; working with diversity, outcome measurement, mental capacity, and use of technology in speech and language therapy. It continues with chapters on core clinical caseloads and treatment approaches for communication and swallowing including:

• goal setting
• prolonged disorders of consciousness
• managing behaviours that challenge
• functional neurological disorder
• project working
• therapy groups
• communication partner training.

Each chapter includes four sections: a summary of current evidence on treatment, practical guidance on assessment and treatment, a worked example and signposting to further resources.

A book by clinicians for clinicians, writing from experience of what they wish they had access to when they started out in this field. It is essential reading for students through to specialist speech and language therapists looking for practical guidance and recommendations to integrate current evidence into therapy.

Zoë Gilbertson is a highly specialist SLT working with adults with neurological disorders, with experience in settings from acute to long-term. She is also an independent clinical supervisor, lecturer in speech therapy and host of the podcast 'Speechies talk about...'.

Alexandra Henson is a Professional Lead in Speech and Language Therapy in a London hospital, and an SLT Expert Witness. She has worked with people with acquired neurological diagnoses throughout the pathway from acute to community.