Communication strategies for aphasia

Good communication with aphasia is mostly good communication, slowed down and made visual. These tips come from the National Aphasia Association and MedlinePlus ^{[National Aphasia Association 2024] [MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) 2023]} .

When you are speaking to the person

• Get attention first. Say their name, make eye contact, reduce noise (turn off the TV).
• Keep sentences short and simple, at a normal volume. Do not shout - aphasia is not a hearing problem ^{[MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) 2023]} .
• Slow down and pause between ideas.
• Use visual support - point, gesture, write a key word, or show a photo.
• Talk to them as an adult. Aphasia affects language, not intelligence ^{[National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) 2024]} .

Helping them respond

• Give plenty of time - pause and count to five before stepping in.
• Do not finish their sentences unless they want you to.
• Offer yes/no or choice questions (“Tea or coffee?”) rather than open ones.
• Welcome any method - words, pointing, gesture, drawing, or writing.
• Check you understood by repeating back what you think they meant.

Keep it person-centred

• Keep them included in conversations and decisions - share news and plans as usual ^{[National Aphasia Association 2024]} .
• Ask what works best for them; everyone is different.
• Praise effort, not perfection. Frustration is normal on both sides - it is fine to take a break and try again later.

Set up the environment

Small changes to the setting make conversation far easier:

• Reduce background noise - turn off the TV or radio.
• Face each other with good lighting.
• Keep pen, paper, and a phone with photos handy.

Techniques that help

• Give the person plenty of time to respond.
• Confirm you’ve understood before moving on.
• Use gestures, drawing, and writing to support words.
• Break information into small chunks.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Don’t speak for the person unless invited.
• Don’t pretend to understand when you don’t.
• Don’t quiz or over-correct - it adds pressure.
• Don’t raise your voice; aphasia is not a hearing problem.

Building confidence over time

• Start conversations on familiar, favourite topics.
• Celebrate getting the message across, however it happens.
• Practise little and often in relaxed moments.

A handy tool

Keep a small notebook or phone album with photos of people, places, and common needs. Pointing to a picture can unlock a conversation when words are stuck ^{[MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) 2023]} .

For daily practice ideas, see Practice or try a language game.