WHAT IS APHASIA?

Someone with aphasia might:

• Speak in short or incomplete sentences

• Say things that don’t quite make sense

• Swap one word or sound for another

• Use words that aren't recognizable

• Struggle to find the right words

• Have trouble understanding conversations

• Have difficulty understanding what they read

• Write sentences that don’t make sense

​

Here are some simple strategies to help with communication challenges related to aphasia:

1. For short or incomplete sentences:

   • Encourage the person to use gestures, drawings, or point to pictures to help get their message across.

   • Give them extra time to finish their sentences without rushing them.

2. For sentences that don’t make sense:

   • Ask gentle questions or provide hints to help them express what they mean more clearly.

   • Repeat what you think they’re trying to say to make sure you’ve understood them correctly.

3. For substituting words or sounds:

   • If they’re stuck, offer the right word or give them a clue (like the first sound of the word).

   • Ask yes/no questions to help figure out what they mean.

4. For unrecognizable words:

   • Encourage using other ways to communicate, like drawing, pointing, or showing pictures.

   • Stay calm and give them time to try again without interrupting.

5. For difficulty finding words:

   • Help by giving hints or showing pictures to jog their memory.

   • Use related words or describe the item they’re trying to name.

6. For trouble understanding conversations:

   • Speak slowly and clearly, using simple words and short sentences.

   • Use hand gestures or write things down to make it easier to understand.

7. For trouble understanding written text:

   • Simplify the material or use pictures alongside the text to help explain what’s written.

   • Read it out loud or break it down into smaller chunks.

8. For writing sentences that don’t make sense:

   • Encourage them to write short, simple sentences or even just single words if that helps.

   • Provide prompts or pictures to help guide what they want to write

   • ​