Types of aphasia
Fluent, non-fluent, and global aphasia - a simple guide to how language can be affected and what it means.
Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. Understanding the pattern helps you find the most useful ways to communicate.
Non-fluent aphasia
- Speech is effortful, short, or halting.
- Understanding may be relatively better than speaking.
- The person often knows what they want to say.
Fluent aphasia
- Speech flows but may include wrong or made-up words.
- Understanding can be more affected.
- Awareness of errors may be reduced at first.
Global aphasia
- Both understanding and speaking are significantly affected.
- Communication often relies on gestures and support.
- Improvement is still possible with practice and time.
The key message
- Aphasia is about access to language, not thinking ability.
- Every person’s pattern is a little different.
- A speech therapist can tailor strategies to the pattern.
How this site helps
You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one small idea from above and try it this week.
- Turn a goal into a daily habit with Practice.
- See the evidence behind these ideas in Research.
- Practise the underlying skill with a calm game.
Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your situation best.