How Do I Support A Family Member With Aphasia?
Table of Contents
The Role of the Family: Strategies families can use to support loved ones experiencing aphasia.
The Role of the Speech Language Pathologist: How professional speech therapy services aid in the rehabilitation process for individuals with aphasia.
Aphasia can be one of the most challenging communication disorders — not only for those who experience it, but also for their loved ones. It affects a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, or write, often after a stroke, brain injury, or neurological illness. Yet, with the right support, communication can improve significantly.
The Role of the Family
Families play a critical role in the rehabilitation of individuals experiencing aphasia. Here are some critical tips to best support loved ones with aphasia:
1. Provide space for your family member to communicate.
Give your family member time to think about and express what they want to communicate. Do not interrupt, finish their sentences, or make guesses at what they are trying to say. This often leads to increased frustration, which leads to increased difficulty communicating.
2. Your family member is still an adult- treat them that way:
Aphasia does not affect intelligence — people with aphasia know what they want to say; the challenge lies in finding or understanding the words. Your family member is still an adult and it is important to continue speaking to them as you would any other adult. Do not use child speak (i.e., simplified words, high pitched voice) to communicate with your loved ones. This is often degrading to who they are as a person.
3. Play word finding games:
A fun way to practice word finding at home is through the use of games. Place household items in a bag and sit across from your loved one with a divider in between. Have your loved one take out one item at a time and describe it. The goal is for you to identify as many items as possible based on the description. Switch roles throughout so your loved one is able to practice both describing and guessing.
The Role of the Speech Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the professionals who guide individuals with aphasia through recovery. Their therapy sessions are designed to rebuild communication skills, strengthen brain connections, and teach new strategies to compensate for lost abilities.
Here’s how speech therapy can make a difference:
1. Restoring Language Skills
Through targeted exercises, speech therapy helps rewire the brain to recover language abilities. For example:
Naming common objects or actions
Repeating words and phrases
Practicing sentence formation
Engaging in conversation practice
The goal is to help the brain “relearn” how to use language effectively.
2. Improving Comprehension
Therapy doesn’t stop at speaking — understanding spoken or written language is equally important. SLPs use visual aids, written cues, and listening exercises to help clients improve comprehension and processing speed.
3. Introducing Alternative Communication Strategies
For some, full verbal recovery may take time. Speech therapists teach augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods such as gesture use, drawing, communication boards, or speech-generating devices to support conversation and independence.
4. Empowering Family and Caregivers
Speech therapy often includes education and training for loved ones. Therapists teach communication techniques like:
Using clear language
Allowing extra time for responses
Asking yes/no questions
Reducing background noise
When family and friends understand how to communicate effectively, everyday interactions become less frustrating and more supportive.
Conclusion
Aphasia doesn’t define a person. With expert speech therapy, dedication, and support, individuals can rediscover their ability to connect.
If you or someone you love is living with aphasia, know that recovery is possible. Reach out to a licensed speech-language pathologist to start building a personalized communication plan today.
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