TLC Speech Therapy
All Resources

Talking with Someone Who Has Aphasia

Aphasia is caused by an injury to the language areas of the brain. A stroke is the most common cause. Aphasia can make it hard to talk, understand, read, or write. It does not change who the person is, or what they know.

Adjusting the way that people talk can make a real difference for a person with aphasia. These tips help conversation go more smoothly and help ease communication for everyone.

  • Ask what helps

    Everyone’s aphasia is different. Ask what helps. Then follow their lead.

    “Would it help if I write it down?”

  • Talk to the person they are

    Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. Use your normal voice. Don’t talk louder, and don’t talk down.

  • Get their attention first

    Say their name. Touch their arm gently. Make eye contact. Show a photo or object so they know the topic.

    “Dad,” (touch his arm) “look at Mia’s recital photos.” (hold up your phone)

  • Give them time

    Wait for an answer. Count to five in your head before you help. Let them finish.

  • Keep it short

    Use one idea per sentence. Speak at a normal volume. Pause between ideas.

    Instead of“After the doctor we’ll stop at the store for bread so we can make sandwiches for lunch.”

    Try“At 10, we’re seeing Dr. Lee.” (point to the clock)

  • Turn down the background

    Turn off the TV. Find a quiet spot. Noise makes it harder to understand.

  • Show as well as tell

    Use gestures. Write key words. Draw, or show photos on your phone. A small whiteboard helps.

  • Ask yes-or-no and either-or questions

    These are easier to answer. Hold up each choice, or use thumbs up and thumbs down. Some people repeat the last choice they heard, so point to each one.

    Instead of“What would you like to drink?”

    Try“Tea, or coffee?” (hold up each mug)

  • Check what you understood

    Say back what you think they meant.

    “You’re pointing outside and holding your shoes. Do you want to go for a walk?”

  • Praise the effort

    Cheer on every try. Tell them what helped you understand. Don’t correct mistakes.

  • Keep them in the conversation

    Share news and plans like always. Ask their opinion on family decisions. Never talk about them as if they aren’t there.

Quick reminders

Print this page and you'll get just this list, sized for the fridge.

  • Ask what helps
  • Talk to the person, not the aphasia
  • Get their attention first
  • Slow down and keep sentences short
  • Show, write, and point
  • Ask yes-or-no or either-or questions
  • Wait, and let them finish
  • Check what you understood

Speech therapy can help people with aphasia keep making progress, even years after a stroke. Our Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program offers several hours of therapy a day over a few weeks, with support for families built in.

When to talk to a speech-language pathologist

  • Your loved one has aphasia and wants to keep improving, however long ago the stroke or injury was.
  • Conversations at home often end in frustration for both of you.
  • You’d like strategies tailored to how your loved one communicates.
  • You’re considering an intensive program and want to know if it’s a good fit.

You don't need to wait and see. We offer free phone consultations: talk with one of our speech-language pathologists about what you're hearing and whether an assessment makes sense.

Ask about a free consultation

Sources

  • National Aphasia Association. Tips for Communicating with Someone with Aphasia.
  • American Stroke Association and National Aphasia Association. Communicating with someone with aphasia (printable guide).