What we do
About our project
Acquired childhood aphasia has a large impact on the life of the affected child and his family. Communication is essential in social relations, education and participation. Hence, proper rehabilitation and guidance is essential. However, very little is known on language recovery in this population and clinicians lack evidence to base their diagnostic and treatment decisions on.
A national register
In this study, we have created a national register on ACA, in which longitudinal data of children with ACA in the Netherlands are gathered. Through a Delphi procedure with more than 60 experts on ACA in the Netherlands, we have set up core outcome sets for language tests in four age groups. Currently, a large group of centers treating children and adolescents with ACA in the Netherlands are participating. Via an online platform they are collecting data on etiology, language function and language therapy in ACA.
Our research focus
Aim
The primary aim of this project is to obtain more insight in ACA: its causes, course of language recovery or decline and its impact in the life of the child itself as well as that of his family.
The secondary aim is to provide more insight in the type(s) of language interventions these children receive as well as the satisfaction of both clinicians, parents and the children with these interventions.
Follow up
The study is unique in that it will provide longitudinal data from a large group of children with ACA. The current literature on ACA consists only of case studies or small group studies. This KIK study will therefore offer a starting point for further studies examining more specific questions in ACA. The KIK study contributes to improving evidence based treatment of ACA.
Funds & Grants
Johanna Kinderfonds
Kinderrevalidatiefonds Adriaanstichting
Stichting Afasie Nederland
Collaborations
Erasmus MC:
- Child Brain Center
Outside Erasmus MC:
- Rijndam rehabilitation
- various treatment centers in het Netherlands (multicenter trial)
Our team
Ineke van der Meulen, PhD
Clinical linguist
Femke Nouwens, PhD
Clinical linquist
Robert Pangalila, MD, PhD
Pediatric rehabilitation physician
Contact us
