Aphasia

[uh-fay'-zhah]

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is an acquired communication impairment.

‘Acquired’ means you’re not born with aphasia. It’s something that happens to people after a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, or a neurologic disease. It does not affect intelligence.

Aphasia can affect any area of language and communication: talking, understanding speech, reading, or writing. Impairments can range from mild to profound. Aphasia may disappear soon after onset, but for many people it is a chronic problem that affects every area of life.

People with aphasia can also have related conditions:

• Dysarthria: Difficulty pronouncing words

• Apraxia: Trouble sequencing and coordinating speech sounds

Experience aphasia with these interactive simulations

Voices of Hope for Aphasia has four sets of interactive simulations of what it’s like to have aphasia.

Try your hand at listening, reading, writing, or speaking with aphasia.

This is a powerful video showing what it’s like to live with aphasia.

Watch this woman go through a typical day without being able to communicate effectively. Then watch her go through a similar day when she has access to some simple communication aids and friends and family who have learned how to offer helpful support for her situation.

How Speech Therapy Tacoma Can Help

When we work with a person with aphasia, one of the most important parts of our relationship is gaining an understanding of exactly what aspects of communication they are struggling with, and creating a plan - together- to make it better.

In severe cases, augmentative and alternative communication may be necessary—ways to communicate other than just oral speech—gestures, simple printed communication books or electronic devices if appropriate. We provide training for “compensatory strategies” (learning new or different ways) that can enhance a person's ability to use natural speech to increase their functional communication skills, and use other means as needed.

The cornerstone of our therapy philosophy is built around the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA). This involves helping individuals with aphasia reconnect with their life by focusing on life goals of their choice.

Contact Us
for a FREE phone consult

• We will discuss your situation

• Get all your questions answered

• Plan the next steps

There is NO COST or OBLIGATION
for this initial phone call.