Aphasia is a language disorder which commonly occurs after an acquired brain injury.  Aphasia impacts a person’s ability to understand or use language.

Aphasia can look very different from person to person depending on the areas of the brain affected.  A person may have difficulty with:

  • Understanding spoken language
  • Finding the words they want to say
  • Speaking fluently
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Using gestures or drawing to communicate
  • Working with numbers or completing everyday calculations

The severity can range from mild word‑finding difficulties (anomia) to more extensive challenges affecting most aspects of language (global aphasia).

People with aphasia retain their thoughts, ideas, and personality.  However they face barriers expressing or processing language. With the right support, strategies, and communication‑friendly environments, individuals with aphasia can continue to participate meaningfully in daily life and relationships.

Types of Aphasia

Non-fluent aphasia

Speech is slow, effortful and reduced. A person may only produce a few words at a time, with word-finding difficulties and simplified grammar (e.g. dropping small connecting words). People typically know what they want to say but can’t get it put easily. Understanding is often preserved, especially for everyday conversations.

Fluent aphasia

Speech flows easily and grammar often sounds intact, but the content can be hard to follow.  People may use the wrong word, invent words, or produce sentences that don’t make sense despite normal rate and rhythm. Understanding spoken or written language is usually also affected, sometimes significantly.

Someone with fluent aphasia may speak in full sentences that are hard to understand, while someone with non-fluent aphasia may understand well but find it hard to get their words out.

How to help someone with Aphasia

  • Give extra time for them to find their words.
  • Use short, clear sentences and check understanding.
  • Offer choices rather than open questions.
  • Use gestures, writing, or pictures to support communication.
  • Reduce background noise where possible.
  • Never pretend to understand — clarify gently and respectfully.
  • Refer to a Speech Language Therapist (SLT).

If you would like to discuss a referral, request a quote, or explore how specialist ABI speech and language therapy can support you or your client, please get in touch.

    Further Resources