Speech Therapy For Aphasia

Speech Therapy For Aphasia

June is Aphasia Awareness Month - speech therapy can help! 

Aphasia is a communication disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, and write. It occurs when the language centers of the brain—typically located in the left hemisphere—are damaged. The most common cause is stroke, but aphasia can also result from traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, and other conditions that affect the brain.

While aphasia can profoundly affect how you express yourself or understand others, it’s important to know that it does not affect intelligence. Many people with aphasia are still mentally sharp and capable—they just struggle to communicate in ways others take for granted.

What Does Aphasia Look Like?

Aphasia presents differently in everyone, depending on the severity and location of the brain injury. Some individuals may be able to speak in short, broken sentences, while others might speak fluently but say words that don’t make sense. Some can’t find the right words, while others can speak but struggle to understand what others are saying.

You or your loved one might experience:

• Trouble speaking or finding the “right” words
• Difficulty understanding conversations
• Problems reading or comprehending written text
• Challenges writing sentences or spelling
• Issues with numbers, time, or money-related communication

Even simple daily interactions—ordering at a restaurant, making a phone call, or chatting with a friend—can become incredibly frustrating for someone with aphasia.

How Common Is Aphasia?

According to the National Aphasia Association, approximately 2 million Americans are living with aphasia, and nearly 180,000 new cases occur each year. Despite its prevalence, aphasia remains under-recognized. Many people have never heard of the condition until they or someone close to them is affected.

That’s why Aphasia Awareness Month, observed every June, is so important. Increasing awareness helps improve understanding, reduce stigma, and promote access to treatment—like speech therapy—that can make a real difference.

What Is Speech Therapy for Aphasia?

Speech therapy is one of the most effective treatments for aphasia. It focuses on restoring language skills as much as possible and teaching new ways to communicate. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works closely with individuals and their families to tailor therapy to their unique needs.

There are two primary approaches used in speech therapy for aphasia:

Impairment-Based Speech Therapy for Aphasia

This approach targets the underlying language deficits caused by aphasia. The goal is to rebuild and strengthen the brain’s communication pathways. After evaluating your specific challenges and abilities, the SLP will guide you through customized activities designed to:

• Practice word-finding (also known as anomia therapy)
• Improve sentence formation and grammar
• Enhance auditory comprehension (understanding spoken language)
• Exercise oral motor skills to improve speech clarity

Therapists may use a combination of spoken, written, visual, and auditory tasks to stimulate different areas of the brain. Therapy is often paired with homework assignments, worksheets, and language apps or software that reinforce practice outside of sessions.

Programs like Lingraphica, Constant Therapy, and Tactus Therapy offer engaging, evidence-based tools to support recovery at home. Your SLP will help identify which ones are most appropriate for your situation.

Compensatory-Based Speech Therapy for Aphasia

While some people make significant progress regaining their speech and language skills, others benefit more from learning new ways to communicate. Compensatory therapy focuses on helping individuals convey their thoughts using alternative strategies.

This might include:

• Using shorter sentences, key words, or scripts
• Pointing to words or pictures on a communication board
• Gesturing or drawing to supplement speech
• Using speech-generating devices or mobile communication apps
• Learning to repeat or rephrase for clarity

These techniques are especially helpful in social or functional settings, such as talking with family, scheduling appointments, or managing daily tasks. Compensatory therapy also empowers family members and caregivers by teaching them how to support communication more effectively.

How Long Does Speech Therapy Take?

Recovery from aphasia varies widely. Some people improve quickly, while others may work on their communication skills over months or even years. Factors that influence recovery include:

• Type of aphasia (e.g., Broca’s, Wernicke’s, global, etc.)
• Severity of the brain injury
• Age and general health of the individual
• Time since onset of the condition
• Frequency and intensity of therapy
• Family and social support

Early intervention is ideal, but it's never too late to start speech therapy. Even years after a stroke or injury, people with aphasia can make meaningful gains.

What Can You Expect at Therapy Achievements?

At Therapy Achievements, our goal is to help people with aphasia rebuild their communication skills and confidence. Joey Farris and Jennifer Egeland are experienced speech-language pathologists who specialize in aphasia treatment. Both are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and have advanced training in both impairment-based and compensatory therapy techniques.

When you come to Therapy Achievements, you’ll receive:

• A comprehensive evaluation of your language strengths and challenges
• A customized therapy plan tailored to your goals and daily needs
• Access to cutting-edge therapy tools, apps, and resources
• Support for family and caregivers to maximize success at home

Whether your goal is to carry on conversations with loved ones, return to work, or regain your independence, we’ll help you get there—one step at a time.

How to Get Started

If you or someone you care about is living with aphasia, don’t wait. The sooner therapy begins, the more effective it can be—but even if significant time has passed, speech therapy can still provide hope, progress, and empowerment.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Call Therapy Achievements today at 256-509-4398 to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our speech therapy services.

 

A Final Word

 

Aphasia may change how you communicate, but it doesn't change who you are. With the right support, tools, and therapy, people with aphasia can lead rich, meaningful lives—and continue to connect with the world around them.

 

Let’s raise awareness. Let’s support recovery. And let’s remember: Speech therapy can help.