A stroke is a very traumatic experience for anyone, but it can be particularly devastating for a young person. The University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) recognizes the challenges young stroke survivors face. UMAP provides the additional assistance this age group needs to continue healing and to achieve personal goals of recovery. UMAP sees many clients who are between the ages of 20-45.

Whenever possible, UMAP tries to place young stroke survivors in the same sessions.

"It's really important at this point in their lives for younger clients to interact and be with their peers," said Mimi Block, M.S. CCC-SLP, clinical services manager. "Most feel isolated and lose contact with many of their friends after the stroke. Here, they can connect with other young people who are going through a similar experience."

UMAP focuses on functional therapies with its young stroke clients, such as vocational training, daily living tasks, and parenting skills. We also encourage them to participate in leisure activities.

UMAP makes a point of engaging young stroke survivors in activities that range from bowling or golfing, to Detroit Tigers' baseball games or UM basketball games, to visiting museums and art fairs, to playing Wii video games.

"Some of our clients have very young children, so we target ways to interact and communicate with their children through reading and playing games," Block said.
"Others have high-powered positions; and we help them re-enter the workplace by working on telephone skills and oral presentations. Some of our young clients volunteer to gain experience to strengthen their work and communication skills."

UMAP speech-language clinicians share websites designed specifically for young survivors of stroke, so the clients can have access to the resources to connect with others like themselves.

"At UMAP, it is rewarding to see our younger clients gain confidence and build enduring friendships as a result of attending a session together," Block said.