Abstract
Kinnier Wilson in 1926 wrote that “an aphasic symptom complex may be looked at in three ways. What is the anatomical site of the lesion producing the defect? What are the physiological mechanisms involved? What is the nature of the psychological disorder?”. Much has been written about the anatomical and psychological aspects of aphasia, but the physiological sphere has been less fully investigated. One way of comparing the physiological speech and language processes of aphasic with that of normal speakers necessitates using an experimental procedure which will produce a temporary speech disturbance.
An account is given of the application of D.A.F. to the study of dysphasia. Technical details and preliminary results are described. A significant number of dysphasic patients respond atypically to D.A.F., and some trends can be demonstrated as to the type of dysphasic patient which responds atypically. It is hoped that with more discriminate and searching language tests, the atypical group could be more closely defined.