Sign acquisition in two aphasic subjects with limb apraxia

Abstract

Two aphasic subjects with moderate-severe limb apraxia were enrolled in a sign/gesture training programme to investigate the effect of limb apraxia on the acquisition of manual signals. Both subjects were able to acquire all of the single signs/gestures and some or all of the sign combinations (e.g. agent-action-object; action-object) presented during the training programme. Results indicate that limb apraxia does not appear to be a significant impediment in the acquisition of signs/gestures by aphasic subjects. Severity of aphasia would seem to be a more important factor in predicting success in the development of a manual communication system.