Compensatory Adaptation and Strategies

Compensatory adaptation and strategies are important components of recovery in acquired communication disorders in adults, and compensation is one of the primary goals of rehabilitation. Since compensatory strategies have the potential to improve functional communication, these behaviors are an important topic to consider relative to rehabilitation. Compensation is a characteristic adaptive mechanism in a variety of communication disorders, such as acquired aphasia, traumatic brain injury, motor speech disorders, and dementia. This entry defines compensatory adaptions and strategy and discusses how they can be used to improve communication. It also describes the difference between behavioral and neurobiological compensation, the use of communication support and augmentative and alternative communication, and the ways one acquires compensatory adaptation and strategies.