Processing of visual syntax in a globally aphasic patient.
A globally aphasic patient was trained on a computerized visual communication system. His ability to comprehend reversible locative prepositional phrases after training was studied and compared with the performance of Broca's aphasics on a similar task. This patient's ability to generalize symbols for actions was also investigated. The results demonstrate our patient's capacity to master a formal visual syntax in the absence of natural language and illustrate how this capacity may be used successfully in a visual communication system. A problem in generalizing symbols for actions is demonstrated, suggesting that certain heuristic and cueing capabilities in the approach may be helpful.
Weinrich
M
M
Department of Neurology, Palo Alto VA Medical Center, CA 94304.
Steele
R D
RD
Carlson
G S
GS
Kleczewska
M
M
Wertz
R T
RT
Baker
E
E
D001037:Aphasia / Q000523:psychology*; D001039:Aphasia, Broca / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000523:psychology*; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D012660:Semantics; D012984:Software; D013068:Speech Production Measurement