An investigation into the drawing skills of aphasic adults

Abstract

A matched-pairs design was used to explore differences between drawings made by chronic aphasic people and their non-aphasic peers. Standardised and novel assessments of drawing skill were made and aphasic peoples' drawings found to be significantly different for four factors--placement, complexity, perspective and size. This is discussed using a cognitive neuropsychological framework for drawing production. The Short Aphasia Screening Test (Whurr, 1996) was a significant predictor of drawing performance, indicating its usefulness in client selection for drawing-based interventions. Assessment and facilitation of drawing, factors of age, severity and laterality are also discussed.