Cardiovascular Accidents (CVAs), known more commonly as strokes, are the leading cause of disability in America. Strokes are also the fifth leading cause of death. When strokes happen, side effects can become immediately visible. However, there are also side effects that may not be noticeable until the crisis situation is resolved, leaving the person’s new “normal” on display. Each stroke affects each individual in a unique way. Some side effects are serious and last for years, while other side effects last only a few months. Aphasia is a common side effect that many stroke survivors need to live with for a short, or an extended, period of time.

What is aphasia?
Aphasia is defined as a language disorder that makes it difficult to communicate. Some people living with aphasia cannot speak, while others can speak but words come out jumbled or confused. Still others living with aphasia can have difficulties interpreting conversation around them. In all cases, aphasia can be a barrier to happy relationships and a healthy quality of life.

Aphasia Adaptations
For people living with aphasia, communication can be frustrating. However, communication with family, friends, doctors, and even strangers is essential to having relationships and getting needs met. Fortunately, there are adaptations that people living with aphasia can use to help communication go a bit smoother.

People with aphasia should work with a speech language pathologist. This key component of their medical team can provide tips and adaptive devices that best suit their specific situation. Further, time in speech therapy can help the person practice communicating with others.

One way to communicate is to use nonverbal cues, like hand gestures or body language. This can be an easy way to communicate needs or wants, or to fill in if a person with aphasia cannot think of the word necessary to complete the thought.

Beyond using nonverbal gestures, people living with aphasia can also utilize communication boards. Some people with aphasia may not be able to speak well, but they can write. For these people, carrying around a notepad and pen, or a dry erase board and marker, can be an excellent alternative to communication. Other people living with aphasia can carry a communication board with words or photos they can point to in order to communicate needs or wants. These are especially helpful for those living with severe aphasia complications.

You can learn more about aphasia by visiting The American Stroke Association’s website.