I Have Aphasia

What is aphasia?

Aphasia (pronounced uh-FAY-zhuh) is a communication disorder.

Aphasia is different for each person. It affects one or more parts of communication:

• talking
• understanding others
• reading
• writing

Aphasia can change over time.

Aphasia does not affect intelligence. It only affects the ability to process language.

What causes aphasia?

Aphasia is not a disease. It is symptom of damage to the parts of the brain that control language or neurodegenerative disease.

Aphasia can happen due to a stroke or other type of brain injury.

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) can happen due to a neurodegenerative disease.

What is apraxia?

Apraxia (pronounced uh-PRAX-ee-uh) is also a communication disorder. It affects how the brain plans movements needed for speech.

A person with apraxia may know exactly what they want to say. But their brain has trouble telling the speech muscles how to move. This can make it hard to:

• start speaking
• say sounds clearly and correctly
• say words the way they want to
• say the same word the same way each time

Apraxia happens even when the speech muscles are not weak or paralyzed.

Who diagnoses aphasia?

Aphasia is diagnosed with medical and language tests.

Doctors will learn about your medical history and may use brain scans to better understand the cause of your aphasia.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs, also known as speech therapists) do a communication evaluation to identify the type and severity of your aphasia. They can help you determine what therapies will be most helpful.

Who treats aphasia?

Speech therapists help people with aphasia achieve their communication goals.

Speech therapy may help a person:

• improve language skills
• learn new ways to communicate
• use tools and technology to support communication

Therapy should include family, friends, and other communication partners.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapists are licensed professionals who help people with aphasia:

• identify strengths and goals
• improve language skills
• learn new ways to communicate
• use tools and technology to support communication

Speech therapy is available in:

• hospitals
• outpatient clinics
• private practices
• university clinics

Community Resources

Connect early with:

• aphasia centers
• communication groups
• support networks

These programs can help you:

• practice communication
• build confidence
• support brain recovery
• connect with others living with aphasia

Communication Tools

Communication tools and technology can help people communicate while they continue to build language skills.

People with aphasia may benefit from tools such as:

• speech apps
• smartphone supports and modifications
• writing tools or picture boards
• personalized notebooks

Technology continues to create new ways for people with aphasia to communicate.

Other Aphasia Supports

Other supports can help with communication, connection, and quality of life:

• Creative, artistic, and musical activities
• Storytelling
• Public speaking
• Conversation and support groups
• Communication Support Team
• Mental health support

You are not alone. Aphasia affects over 2 million people in the United States: people of every age, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Aphasia Organizations and Centers

Local aphasia centers and aphasia organizations help support communication and also help people stay connected, active, and involved in life. They may offer conversation groups, support groups, education and resources, social events, and creative programs.

Virtual Aphasia Programs and Groups

The National Aphasia Association offers a variety of virtual programs that align with our mission to connect, support, and educate the aphasia community. Since the pandemic, some local aphasia organizations also offer virtual programs.

NAA Ambassadors

The NAA Ambassador Program is a national network of volunteers raising awareness about aphasia through community outreach, education, and advocacy. Ambassadors help more people understand aphasia and how to communicate effectively with those affected by it.

Contact the NAA – We are here to help!

Please email us at answers@aphasia.org or fill out our contact form to be connected with a member of the NAA team. We take the time to answer and support every person who reaches out to us.