Understanding It
What Aphasia Is
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder caused by damage to the language centres of the brain, most commonly following a stroke. It can also occur after a traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, infection, or other neurological illness.
Language is more than just speaking. Aphasia can affect a person's ability to:
- Speak and express their thoughts
- Understand what others are saying
- Read words, signs, books, emails, or text messages
- Write messages, forms, or notes
The way aphasia presents varies considerably from person to person. Some people know exactly what they want to say but struggle to find the right words. Others may speak fluently but have difficulty understanding language or communicating their intended meaning. Many people experience difficulties across several areas of language.
Aphasia is often confused with other communication disorders. Dysarthria affects the muscles used for speech, resulting in speech that may sound slurred, quiet, or unclear despite language remaining intact. Apraxia of Speech affects the planning and coordination of speech movements, making it difficult to produce words accurately and consistently. These conditions can occur together, which is why comprehensive assessment by a Speech Pathologist is important.
What are the common signs?
- Difficulty finding words during conversation
- Frequent pauses while searching for words
- Using incorrect words or substituting one word for another
- Speaking in short, incomplete, or effortful sentences
- Difficulty understanding spoken language
- Difficulty following conversations, particularly in groups or noisy environments
- Difficulty reading books, emails, text messages, signs, or forms
- Difficulty writing messages, forms, or emails
- Increased reliance on gesture, pointing, drawing, or written keywords
- Frustration when trying to communicate thoughts and ideas
Word-finding difficulties are among the most common symptoms of aphasia and can range from occasionally forgetting a word to significant difficulty retrieving everyday vocabulary.
When to Act
When to Seek Help
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding is a medical emergency. Think F.A.S.T.: Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Sudden communication difficulties should be treated as a possible stroke until proven otherwise.
Call 000 immediately if someone suddenly develops:
- Difficulty speaking or finding words
- Difficulty understanding language
- Slurred speech
- Facial drooping
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or changes in communication
Seek medical review if someone with existing aphasia experiences:
- A sudden worsening of communication abilities
- New weakness, numbness, balance difficulties, or vision changes
- Severe headaches, confusion, or drowsiness
- Seizures
- New swallowing difficulties
- Significant decline in participation, mood, or wellbeing
Understanding It
It's Never Too Late for Therapy
Recovery is often fastest in the months immediately following a stroke, but meaningful improvements can occur years later. Many people continue to make gains in communication, confidence, and participation long after formal rehabilitation has ended.
Understanding It
How Aphasia Affects Daily Life
The impact of aphasia extends far beyond conversation. Everyday tasks may become more difficult, including:
- Talking with family and friends
- Making phone calls
- Attending medical appointments
- Managing banking and finances
- Reading letters, emails, and medication instructions
- Shopping and ordering food
- Returning to work, volunteering, or study
- Participating in community and social activities
Many people also experience communication fatigue. Understanding language, finding words, and participating in conversations can require significant effort, meaning communication may become more difficult when a person is tired, stressed, unwell, or in a busy environment.
Aphasia can also affect confidence, social participation, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life. Feelings of frustration, isolation, anxiety, and low mood are common and should not be overlooked.
How We Help
How Our Team Can Help
Our Speech Pathologists assess communication strengths and challenges and develop individualised therapy plans based on the person's goals, interests, and everyday communication needs.
Therapy may focus on:
- Improving word-finding skills
- Building sentence formulation and conversation skills
- Improving comprehension of spoken language
- Reading and writing rehabilitation
- Functional communication training for everyday situations
- Communication partner training for family members, carers, and support workers
- Communication books, visual supports, and technology where appropriate
- Building confidence and increasing participation in meaningful activities
Communication partner training is often one of the most valuable parts of therapy. Small changes in how family members, carers, and support workers communicate can make a significant difference to everyday communication success.
Where swallowing has also been affected, Speech Pathologists can assess and manage dysphagia alongside communication difficulties.
Starting Out
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Appointments are conducted in your home, and family members are welcome to attend.
Your Speech Pathologist will assess:
- Speaking and conversation skills
- Understanding of spoken language
- Reading abilities
- Writing abilities
- Everyday communication needs
- The impact of communication difficulties on daily life
Most importantly, we will discuss what the person wants to be able to do. Therapy goals are built around meaningful activities and real-life communication needs.
Following assessment, you will receive:
- A clear explanation of the findings
- Practical strategies that can be implemented immediately
- Recommendations for therapy and support
- Communication partner education
- A written report that can be shared with your GP, rehabilitation team, or treating specialists
Practical Tips
Talking With Someone Who Has Aphasia
- Speak directly to the person
- Speak naturally and respectfully
- Slow down slightly if needed, but do not speak as though to a child
- Ask one question at a time
- Allow extra time for responses
- Reduce background noise where possible
- Use gesture, writing, drawing, and visual supports
- Check that you have understood correctly
- Focus on the message rather than the communication difficulty
Small changes in communication style can greatly improve participation, understanding, and confidence.
Ready to book?
Ready to get started?
Contact inOne Healthcare on 1300 765 456 or submit a referral online. Communication after stroke is supported by our Speech Therapy team, alongside Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
info@inonehealthcare.com.au
Flexible Options
Funding we accept.
Support at Home
NDIS
Medicare
TAC and Workers Compensation
CHSP and Residential Aged Care Funding
Private
Free 20min Consultation
Unsure what support you need, or have funding enquiries? Book a free 20-minute telehealth consultation with our team.
Related: Stroke Recovery · Swallowing Difficulties · Dementia Support