Parenting with Aphasia

Parenting with Aphasia

Being a parent with aphasia can be hard.

But you are not alone.

This page shares helpful ideas and tools for parenting with aphasia. You will find tips and products that support communication. There are books and videos made for and by parents like you. You can also find ideas for parenting at every stage—babies, kids, teens, and grown-up children. We also share ways to work together with your spouse or care partner. There is a link to a support group for parents with aphasia. This page is here to help you feel strong, connected, and supported.

Tips and Products for Parenting

Do you have a favorite product that has helped parenting (or grandparenting) with aphasia? 

Here’s a few practical tools we have gathered from our families: 

• Loop Ear Plugs for Parenting
• Headphones for cognitive overload
• Visual schedules or communication boards 
• Magnetic weekly planners or chore charts with icons
• Text-to-speech or voice recording apps for reminders or routines

Communication Supports and Training

Communication isn’t just about words — it’s about connection.
As a parent, what matters most is showing your love, presence, and attention. Whether you speak, gesture, point, or smile, your child feels it. It’s not just about what you say — it’s about how you engage, listen, and share moments together. 

Ideas to include:

• Using picture-based tools or storybooks to explain aphasia 
• Role-play games to practice communication
• Parent-child journaling with images and keywords
• Family “communication agreement” examples (i.e., being patient, no interrupting)

Parenting Through the Developmental Lifespan

Clearly, parenting roles and responsibilities change as children age.  Communication needs, tools and strategies that were helpful for your toddler will not be as helpful with your teenager.  As we continue to gather information and supports for each stage of development, we recognize: 

• Babies & Toddlers – Routines, visual cues, modeling speech
• School-age Children – Homework help, explaining aphasia to peers
• Teens – Coping conversations, independence, mental health support
• Adult Children – Role reversals, shared caregiving

NAA Programs for Parents

Opportunities to connect with others and learn from professionals.

Suggestions:

• Sign up for our newsletter to receive notice of upcoming NAA trainings and webinars on parenting or family life
• Support Group for Parents with Aphasia
• Parenting groups such as MOPS
• Ask the Expert Playlist YouTube Channel

Spouse/Care Partner Ideas

The NAA is collecting resources to help parenting partners share responsibilities and support one another.  Stay tuned!