Aphasia is a language disorder — not an intellectual disability. The person with aphasia knows what they want to say; aphasia makes it difficult to find and produce words. Patience and the right strategies make a big difference.
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia affects the ability to speak, understand speech, read, and write. It is most often caused by stroke, but can also result from brain injury, tumor, or infection. Aphasia does not affect intelligence.
Strategies for the Person with Aphasia
- Use all channels — speak, gesture, point, draw, write key words, or use a communication app
- Carry a communication card — a card explaining your aphasia helps in public situations
- Use yes/no reliably — practice confirming and correcting with a clear yes or no
- Point to pictures or objects — when words won't come, pointing gets the message across
- Write the first letter — writing the first letter of a word can help retrieve it
- Take your time — don't rush; give yourself permission to pause and try again
Strategies for Family and Communication Partners
- Reduce background noise — turn off the TV; find a quiet space to talk
- Speak slowly and clearly — use short sentences; pause between ideas
- Ask yes/no questions — "Do you want coffee?" is easier than "What do you want to drink?"
- Give time to respond — wait at least 10–15 seconds before rephrasing
- Don't finish sentences — unless asked; let the person complete their thought
- Confirm understanding — "So you want to go outside — is that right?"
- Treat as an adult — speak directly to the person with aphasia, not around them
- Celebrate success — acknowledge every successful communication, however it happened
Supported Conversation Techniques
Acknowledge Competence
Start by recognizing the person's knowledge and experience: "I know you understand this topic well."
Reveal Competence
Use tools (pictures, writing, choices) to help the person show what they know and think.
Verify Understanding
Check in regularly: "Am I understanding you correctly?" Rephrase and confirm.
Build on Strengths
Identify which communication channel works best for this person and use it consistently.
Helpful Resources
- National Aphasia Association — aphasia.org
- Aphasia Access — aphasiaaccess.org
- ASHA — asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aphasia
Questions? Contact LexiMind Speech at (214) 997-3481 or info@leximindmarketplace.com. Your SLP can provide individualized strategies for your specific situation.