What is a main consideration for selecting symbols for individuals with aphasia?

Selecting symbols for individuals with aphasia primarily revolves around their level of cognition. This is crucial because aphasia affects a person's ability to understand language and express themselves verbally, which can vary greatly among individuals with the condition. The cognitive abilities of the individual will influence which symbols they can recognize, comprehend, and use effectively.

For instance, symbols must be tailored to the individual's cognitive processing skills to ensure that they can easily understand what the symbol represents. If the symbols used are too complex or abstract for their level of cognition, the individual is likely to struggle in communicating or may become frustrated with the communication process. Therefore, considering their cognitive level is essential to ensure that the symbols facilitate rather than hinder communication.

Other considerations, such as physical abilities and socio-economic background, may impact the choice of AAC devices or methods overall, but they do not directly address the effectiveness of symbol recognition and comprehension in individuals with aphasia. Similarly, while communication partners' needs might influence the overall communication strategy, the immediate focus for symbol selection must prioritize the individual's cognitive capabilities to effectively support their communication needs.