Aphasia is a communication impairment usually acquired as a result of a stroke or other brain injury. It affects both the ability to express oneself through speech, gesture, and writing, and to understand the speech, gesture, and writing of others. Aphasia thus changes the way in which we communicate with those people most important to us: family, friends, and co—workers.
The impact of aphasia on relationships may be profound, or only slight. No two people with aphasia are alike with respect to severity, former speech and language skills, or personality. But in all cases it is essential for the person to communicate as successfully as possible from the very beginning of the recovery process. Here are some suggestions to help communicate with a person with aphasia:
These guidelines are intended to enhance communication with persons who have aphasia. However, they cannot guarantee that communication with be immediate or on a par with former skills.
A speech therapist attends our Group Meetings three times a month.
Some ideas from Rachel Wilson (Speech and Language Therapist in Alicante)
Encourage spontaneous speech as much as possible, for example:
• You say “knife and …….” “up and …….” “in and …..”Be creative in your lead-ins, use names of your friends and family, for example:
• “Walter and …… (whoever he is married to or living with)Dip into familiar songs. If you know he wants to say “Christmas” say “I am dreaming of a white …….”
1 Copies from the National Aphasia Association website
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Thank You
Stroke Association Spain
Asociacione de Stroke Support Group
Accidente Cerebro Vascular (ACV)
Stroke Association Spain is a registered charity.
Charity No. CV-01-042628A
CIF No. G54320569
Stroke Association Spain
Casa de Cultura
Calle Francisco Ribera Perez, 7
Benijofar 03178
Alicante, Spain
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