Response Elaboration Training (RET)

Response Elaboration Training (RET) is used to increase the number of content words used during spontaneous speech. This training has a clinician or communication partner help shape the client's responses. Adults diagnosed with Aphasia often times present with an expressive language disorder. Response Elaboration Training (RET) has been proven to help those diagnosed with Aphasia increase their expressive language skills (Husak, 2011). 

Potential Goal: By December 2023, the client will answer wh-questions related to the provided picture scene, when asked by the clinician or communication partner, with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 trials. 

Materials needed: A set of pictures that are depicting actions and a device to record to keep track of the client’s responses.

Prior to starting Response Elaboration Training: 

• Collect baseline data by showing the client 5-10 pictures and having them describe what they see

• Count how many content words they used (nouns, pronouns, main verbs, adverbs, prepositions, and adjectives) 

During Response Elaboration Training:

1. Provide a picture scene and ask the client to describe it 

2. Positively reinforce the response

3. Ask a wh-question to help the client expand 

4. Combine the responses and reinforce with a good model, ask for repetition 

5. Reinforce again with a model 

Data Tracking: Data can be tracked utilizing the Response Elaboration Training Tracking Sheet.

Resources: 

Sutton, M. (2022, October 19). Response elaboration training: How to improve sentences
in aphasia. Tactus Therapy. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from
https://tactustherapy.com/response-elaboration-training-ret/

Husak, R. S. (2011). Effects of Response Elaboration Training on Sentence Production
of Persons With Chronic Agrammatic Aphasia. UKnowledge . Retrieved December
5, 2022, from
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgiarticle=1001&context=rehabsci_etds