Experiences of childhood stroke and aphasia during adolescence: An analysis of YouTube videos

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences in adolescence of people with aphasia following childhood stroke. Adolescence is a unique period of developmental changes, yet little is known about the impacts of childhood stroke and aphasia during this critical period. With YouTube emerging as an information sharing platform for adolescents, the perspectives shared by YouTubers who have experienced aphasia during adolescence can provide insight into lived experiences.

Method

Eleven videos were identified on YouTube via keyword searches. Included videos contained YouTubers’ reports of childhood stroke and impacts of aphasia and/or stroke related language difficulties during adolescence (13–17 years). Videos were transcribed verbatim and analysed with reflexive thematic analysis.

Result

Five themes were generated from analysis. These themes revealed the various impairments adolescents experienced after their unexpected stroke, including language difficulties such as word finding, reading, and writing difficulties. The YouTubers shared sources that aided their recovery, aspirations for the future, and their desire to raise awareness of stroke and aphasia in adolescents.

Conclusion

The perspectives identified can inform person-centred and tailored care for adolescents with aphasia after childhood stroke. Further, the need for increased public education about stroke and aphasia specifically during adolescence has been highlighted.

Keywords:

• Childhood stroke
• aphasia
• adolescence

Acknowledgements

This article was completed as part of the first author’s doctoral dissertation.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).