Social Network Structure in Young Stroke Survivors with Aphasia: A Case Series Report.

The aim of this study was to profile the social networks of young adult stroke survivors with aphasia. A case series approach using four persons with aphasia (PWA) younger than 50 years was utilized. Semistructured interviews were completed with the PWA and their primary caregiver/family to explore the most salient relationships in the PWA's social network. PWAs in this study exhibited very small social networks with the most salient relationships consisting of immediate family members. Mothers were the primary caregiver for the two most impaired PWA. Prestroke friendships were dissolved or reduced at the onset of aphasia. The most impaired PWAs spent most of their days in isolation without a consistent communication partner. This study suggests young adult stroke survivors with aphasia have significant changes in their social network structure after stroke, but it is unclear if the observed change in social network structure is more related to age or level of communication impairment.

Quality of life in children and adolescents with cochlear implants and additional needs.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the quality of life of deaf children with cochlear implants using a newly developed parent-report measure designed for use in this group. It compared the quality of life of implanted children with additional needs (e.g. physical or learning difficulties), with implanted children without such needs. METHODS: A 22-item questionnaire comprising four sub-scales was developed and demonstrated to have good psychometric properties. This questionnaire was mailed to the parents of 199 children and adolescents with at least 2 years cochlear implant use. RESULTS: Responses were received from 89 parents, 42% of whom reported that their child had additional needs. The quality of life of these children was rated as poorer than that of children without additional needs on three of the four subscales as well as on the total quality of life rating. However, despite these significant concerns the great majority of parents reported that their child's quality of life had improved 'moderately' or 'very much', irrespective of whether they had additional needs. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implantation has a positive impact on the quality of life of deaf children with additional needs, to a similar extent as for those without such needs.