Aphasia Awareness Month

By: Jarris Coles BSN, RN

Aphasia Awareness Month shines a light on aphasia, a communication disorder that can affect a person’s ability to speak, understand speech, read, or write. Aphasia most often happens after damage to the language areas of the brain, commonly from stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or neurodegenerative disease. It does not reflect intelligence, but it can make everyday tasks like making a phone call, following medical instructions, or participating in conversations much harder, which is why early recognition and referral to a speech-language pathologist are important.

Raising awareness also helps reduce stigma and improves support in healthcare and the community. Helpful communication strategies include speaking slowly, using short sentences, asking one question at a time, and offering choices or visual cues to support understanding. Giving extra time to respond and confirming meaning without correcting or “talking over” the person can preserve dignity and reduce frustration. With therapy, consistent practice, and supportive communication partners, many people with aphasia can make meaningful gains and participate more fully in work, relationships, and daily life.

References:

https://aphasia.org/parenting-with-aphasia/ (Parenting with Aphasia)

https://aphasia.org/tools-technology/ (Toolsand Technology)‍