Michelle Valente, M.A., CCC-SLP, Bancroft NeuroRehab Outpatient Program Director and Speech-Language Pathologist, shares insights about what aphasia is and how it changes the way people connect.
Communication isn’t just about the words you say. It includes tone of voice, listening and questioning skills, and nonverbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. When someone is diagnosed with Aphasia, all of these aspects of communication can become frustrating. So, what is Aphasia? Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write. It’s typically caused by a stroke, brain injury, or neurological disorder.
While some individuals may only have difficulty in one area of communication, most experience challenges in several. However, one thing Aphasia does not affect is one’s intelligence!
If you or someone you know has Aphasia, here are some practical strategies that can help reduce frustration and support communication:
- Ask for repetition. Don’t hesitate to ask someone to repeat what they said if you didn’t understand the first time.
- Use “yes” and “no” options. This can make it easier to respond without needing to find the exact words.
- Number answer choices. If you’re giving multiple options, number them out loud so the person with aphasia can point or indicate their choice more easily.
In addition to communication strategies, calming techniques can also support focus and reduce stress:
- Deep breathing
- Breathe in deeply, expanding your stomach, hold for one second, and exhale all of the air from your lungs.
- Mindfulness exercises
- Imagine yourself in your favorite place. Then ask yourself additional questions about what it feels like to be there: What does it smell like? What is the temperature? Is it windy? How sunny is it?
- 5 senses activity
- Name 5 things around you that you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.
Word-finding difficulties are a common symptom for people with aphasia. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, we treat many individuals with aphasia caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or other neurological conditions, particularly in older adults. We work closely with each person and their family to help improve communication across all aspects of daily life and with all communication partners.
While there is no cure for aphasia, therapy can go a long way in helping individuals regain communication skills over time. Here are a few tools we often recommend at Bancroft NeuroRehab to support communication:
- Visual cards
These can be used to identify emotions, support routine-building, or create visual schedules. - Small whiteboard
A helpful tool for writing down keywords, names, or ideas throughout the day. - Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
These range from low-tech options (like picture boards) to high-tech speech-generating devices. AAC tools can help build language skills, increase independence, and promote inclusion in everyday activities. - Aphasia ID card
This wallet-sized card can be shared with new communication partners to explain what aphasia is and how to help. (Download one here.)
While living with aphasia can be challenging, there’s always room for growth.
As Michelle says,“Don’t give up! You will make progress and you will get better. We’ll provide the expertise, you provide the motivation.” – Michelle V.
Need more information? If you’re seeking therapies or evaluations for aphasia, contact Bancroft NeuroRehab to learn how we can help.
Additional Resources:
Aphasia Support Groups:
https://adleraphasiacenter.org/aphasia-communication-groups/
https://www.aphasia.org/category/i-have-aphasia/
https://www.aphasiarecoveryconnection.org/
Learn More About Aphasia:
https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-definitions/
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Michelle Valente has worked in the field of neurologic communication disorders for over 20 years, specializing in traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation. Her expertise spans both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and home care services. Michelle is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, an affiliate of the National Aphasia Association and a member of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences. She has a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John’s University.
