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Aphasia is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It’s more than just struggling to find the right word. Aphasia can impact speaking, listening, reading, and writing. According to the , about two million people in the U.S. are living with this condition, yet many people still don't recognize the signs or understand how it affects everyday life.

What Causes Aphasia?

Aphasia is typically caused by damage to the left side of the brain due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or a progressive neurological disease. While the cause may vary, the outcome is similar: communication becomes frustrating and difficult. Individuals may substitute words, struggle to follow conversations, or lose the ability to read or write fluently. These symptoms can significantly affect personal relationships, employment, and mental health.

June is Aphasia Awareness Month

June, recognized as Aphasia Awareness Month, is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this life-altering condition and on the resources available to support those living with it.

How MWU Clinics Can Help

At the , expert faculty and graduate student clinicians provide evaluation, therapy, and personalized support for individuals with aphasia. Whether the goal is to regain everyday communication skills or learn new strategies for expression, the Institute offers compassionate, evidence-based care that’s tailored to each individual’s needs.

"Therapy goals should always be focused on improving communication for a particular client based on their goals. Communication skills, styles, and preferences vary widely for unimpaired individuals. Some people like talking on the phone, while others prefer face-to-face, and others text. Some people prefer one-on-one communication while others enjoy large group interaction. The same differences exist in the goals of people with aphasia. We don’t treat symptoms or impairments without considering the context of the client’s life. A growing body of evidence tells us that only the therapy goals that are directly aimed at a client’s life participation will be achieved,” said Christina del Toro, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Professor, Speech-Language Pathology Program on the Downers Grove Campus of Midwestern University.

“Technology provides us even more opportunities to personalize therapy to a patient’s goals. Instead of trying to improve writing, we might work on texting with someone who didn’t use it much before their stroke, but now it would be a useful tool when oral language is limited. Likewise, we might introduce video chat apps for an individual who struggles with phone calls and finds seeing someone as they talk improves their comprehension. Our goal is to increase participation in daily life from everyday tasks to special life events, and this can only be achieved by tailoring goals to each client,” Dr. del Toro said.  

Aphasia doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis; it impacts families, caregivers, and communities. That’s why treatment at Midwestern’s Speech-Language Institute focuses on building practical communication skills and empowering loved ones with tools and tips for better conversations.

Here are some helpful ways to communicate with someone who has aphasia:

• Keep language simple and clear; yes/no questions are often easiest.
• Allow extra time for the person to respond.
• Accept all forms of communication, including gestures, writing, or drawing.

“Family and friends’ involvement is essential for people with aphasia. People with aphasia need to know that you are their advocate and their voice when they have difficulty communicating. As a family member, patience and time are key. There will be good days and bad days, but knowing that they have their loved ones on their side will help get them through,” said  Stephanie Teale-Sanchez M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Associate Professor, and Clinic Coordinator at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute in Glendale, AZ.

“To support your loved ones in their communication, make sure to use their strengths.  If they can answer yes and no questions, start there and narrow down the subject of their need or concern.  Once you know what the subject is, it is easier to figure out what they are trying to tell you. Use visual cues, write down key words, or even draw pictures to communicate the main message," Ms. Teale-Sanchez added.
 

Accessing Care at MWU Clinics

The Speech-Language Institute at Midwestern University offers services in both Illinois and Arizona. Evaluations help identify specific communication needs, and ongoing therapy helps clients work toward meaningful goals. Research shows that consistent treatment, at least two hours per week, can lead to measurable improvements.

If you or someone you know is living with aphasia, there is help and hope. Contact the Speech-Language Institute in Downers Grove, Illinois at 630-743-4500 or in Glendale, Arizona at 623-537-6000.

For more information on aphasia and stroke, visit the or the .

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition.