What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects your ability to communicate. It is caused by damage to the brain. Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, but it can also be caused by brain injuries, tumours, and other conditions like dementia.
Aphasia can make it difficult to speak, understand speech, read, and write. Aphasia does not affect a person’s intelligence. It can impact how a person participates in life and their quality of life.
Recognizing aphasia
Aphasia can range from mild to severe. It can be so mild that it may be hard to notice. Sometimes, aphasia is so severe that the person can’t communicate their needs or understand what people say to them.
Aphasia affects everyone differently. People often face social isolation because of communication problems. For example:
- Mateo used to be a public speaker. He enjoyed giving presentations as part of his job. Now, he has trouble finding words and needs to write everything down before his presentations. He no longer enjoys giving presentations and is thinking of getting a new job.
- When William writes his grocery list on paper or on his phone, he now spells some of the words wrong. When he goes to the store, sometimes he can’t read his own list.
- Priya used to be a teacher. Her hearing is fine, but now her husband and children need to repeat things to her often. They use short sentences and say key words many times so she’ll understand. If she still has trouble, they draw a picture or use gestures to help her understand. Often, Priya gives up and says, “Oh, never mind.”
- Mei used to read 3 or 4 novels a month. Now she gets frustrated because she can’t understand news headlines.
Communicating with someone who has aphasia
Here are some things you can do to make communicating easier:
- Communicate one to one and face the person. Seeing your facial expression and mouth can help the person understand.
- Limit distractions like background noise from the TV or stereo.
- Be respectful. Talk in your normal voice and include the person in conversations. Don’t avoid adult topics.
- Understand that a person with aphasia is as smart as they were before. Say, “I know you have something to say, but it’s hard to get it out,” or “I know you know.”
- Be aware that when the person is tired, it can be harder for them to talk and understand.
Trouble expressing themself (expressive aphasia)
If a person with aphasia has trouble getting words out, you can:
- Give the person time to communicate. Watch, listen, and wait for them to finish.
- Avoid talking for the person, unless they ask you to.
- Check to make sure you understand. Tell the person what you understand so they know what else to add.
- Ask yes or no questions, for example: “Are you saying you would rather walk to the store?”
- If you don’t understand, tell them. Let the person know you want to understand, and you’ll try again.
- Ask them to use a gesture, show you what they mean, or write if they’re able.
- Avoid correcting the person. It’s OK if the communication isn’t perfect, as long as you understand the message.
Trouble understanding others (receptive aphasia)
If a person with aphasia has trouble understanding, you can:
- Use other ways to communicate—try writing key words, or drawing and pointing to objects, pictures, or photographs. Try one thing at a time.
- Speak slowly. Pause between sentences.
- Watch and wait. Watch the person’s face and body language to make sure they understand you before you say more.
- Repeat the message using the same words or slightly different ones.
- Keep the message short and simple. Speak in short phrases and sentences.
- Use simple language, but avoid using “baby talk.”
Learn more
Where to get help
To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns. Ask your healthcare provider or visit
Adult Community Rehabilitation to learn more.
