Aphasia programming is a broad topic with many considerations and highly dependent on where an individuals is on their aphasia journey. Some guiding principles:
Speech Therapy services generally begin upon diagnosis with a referral from a physician. While you may be “assigned” a speech therapist, it is encouraged that you to find a match for your particular needs. Therapy services may begin with an evaluation, a treatment plan and 1:1 therapy services. How long you will be able to engage in this formal therapy will be dependent on your insurance, access/transportation and many other factors.
Intervention Supports
Part of the programming needs of persons with aphasia include communication supports that “level the playing field” and provide opportunities to stay engaged in activities of interest. This might be the use of a simple whiteboard, a notebook with pictures/words, or an application or device.
Technology and Apps
NAA’s Apps for Aphasia directory includes:
NAA supports Aphasia Software Finder by ARNI
Speech therapy uses both informal and formal methods to improve communication abilities in all language modalities (speech, reading, writing and understanding) with a good amount of education and training for the communication partners. While there are many formal structured, or impairment based, therapies, learning about some of the approaches may be helpful. Here’s a few:
| Therapy Method | What it is | Why it works | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Script Training | A technique where the person with aphasia practices a scripted conversation—like ordering food or making a phone call—over and over until it becomes fluent. | Builds confidence and automatic speech for real-life situations. |
| 2 | Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) | Uses melody and rhythm to help people speak, especially those with nonfluent aphasia. Words and phrases are sung instead of spoken at first. | Engages the brain’s right hemisphere to support language recovery when the left side is damaged. |
| 3 | Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) | A strategy to improve word finding. The person describes a target word’s features—like what it does, where you find it, what it’s made of—to help retrieve the word. | Activates related language networks and improves naming ability. |
| 4 | Constraint-Induced Language Therapy (CILT) | Intensive therapy that “forces” the use of spoken language by limiting gestures or writing. It’s often done in small groups with repetitive tasks. | Promotes neuroplasticity by encouraging the use of verbal speech in a structured, motivating way. |
| 5 | Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) | Not a therapy technique per se, but a method to train communication partners. Emphasizes verifying understanding and giving people with aphasia the tools to express themselves. | Reduces communication breakdowns and promotes dignity and participation. |
| 6 | Phonomotor Therapy | Focuses on rebuilding language from the smallest speech sounds (phonemes) up, improving the person’s ability to say and understand words. | Targets the sound-level foundation of language, which helps with reading, writing, and speaking. |
These are emerging medical and technological interventions that aim to stimulate or retrain neural circuits involved in language processing. They’re often used alongside speech-language therapy to maximize outcomes.
In the early 2000’s, aphasiologists recognized the need to formalize an approach, or a foundational set of values, centering on a person’s uniqueness and personhood. The Life Participation Approach to Aphasia was born out of that movement and should be integrated into all aphasia programming. The values include:
Citation: ASHA Leader: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR.05032000.4
Core to NAA’s philosophy—every person has the right to participate fully in life.
Life Participation approaches are central to aphasia centers, camps, community support programs and so much more. Check out our directory for these providers.
Language is more than just words—it’s expression, identity, and connection. Creative approaches to aphasia programming invite people to reconnect with communication through art, music, storytelling, and public speaking. These modalities celebrate different ways of expressing oneself, while also building confidence, connection, and joy.
Whether it’s singing in a choir, sharing a personal story, or standing tall behind a microphone, these programs focus on what people can do, opening doors to purpose, participation, and empowerment.
NAA features member-led storytelling initiatives:
Created by NAA Executive Director, Maura Silverman, M.S., CCC-SLP, Communication Support Teams (CST) is an innovative approach to improving everyday communication for people with aphasia by building a network of trained allies. Rooted in the principles of the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) and Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™), CSTs empower families, friends, caregivers, and professionals to become skilled partners in communication. Through targeted education and collaborative planning, CSTs reduce isolation, promote dignity, and support meaningful engagement across all aspects of life.
Social Engagement & Peer Support
Living with aphasia can feel isolating, but connection changes everything. Social engagement programs create spaces where people with aphasia can build friendships, share experiences, and feel understood. Whether through conversation groups, virtual meetups, or peer-led gatherings, these opportunities foster belonging and remind individuals that they are not alone on their journey.