Aphasia Education, Strategies, & Resources: Introducing a new Aphasia Communication Group in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Are you or a loved one struggling to communicate after a stroke, or a brain injury? Do you ever have difficulty finding the words you want to say, or problems understanding what others are saying in a fast conversation? These challenges can feel so isolating, and overwhelming. However, interventions and resources including speech therapy can help improve your confidence, communication, and participation. These challenges occur from a disorder known as "aphasia".

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a language disorder that can result from a stroke, or traumatic brain injury. It can affect a person’s speech, comprehension, reading, or writing. Aphasia does not affect intelligence. However, it can greatly affect one’s participation in, or confidence across a variety of daily activities. 

One of the main causes of aphasia is a stroke. There are two main language areas in our

brain. Broca’s area, housed in the frontal lobe of the brain, is responsible for speech production. Wernicke’s area, housed in the temporal lobe of the brain, is responsible for comprehension. Damage to either, or both of these areas can result in aphasia. There are over 2 million people in the US living with aphasia. Given its prevalence, it is important to be aware of the signs/symptoms of a stroke for yourself and others. The acronym “B.E.F.A.S.T” is commonly used to describe major signs of a stroke, and determine when to call 911. 

• B: Balance – loss of balance, stumbling, reduced coordination  

• E: Eyes – loss of vision, blurred vision 

• F: Face – facial drooping, weakness, numbness

• A: Arms – arm weakness, numbness 

• S: Speech – slurred speech, difficulty speaking

• T: Time – to call 911! 

  
  

Interventions, including speech therapy, can address the challenges that come with aphasia. While it is beneficial to start therapy as early as possible to address the impairments and promote change, individuals who have had strokes in the past can also begin or return to services to continue to see meaningful change.

Role of Speech Therapy in Aphasia

Speech language pathologists are experts in assessing and treating aphasia. Whether it be improving speech to be able to tell a family member “I love you” or improving comprehension to read the daily paper, the focus of speech therapy is on functionality. Through meaningful and evidence based treatment approaches, the therapists at Insight Speech and Swallowing prioritize what is important to our patients. Our goal as speech therapists is to maximize progress, and assist our patients in returning to whatever is important to them including returning to work, conversing with friends and family, or participating in community events.

Communication Strategies

For the Individual with Aphasia

• Take your time, and avoid rushing through what you want to say

• If comfortable, disclose that you have aphasia at the beginning of a conversation to inform others of your communication needs 

• Reduce environmental distractions (e.g. reduce background noise, stand face to face) 

• Ask for clarification or repetitions if you do not understand something 

• Use multiple modalities, or visual supports (e.g. writing, drawing, gesturing, pictures) 

• Consider alternative methods of communication including an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device

For the Communication Partners (e.g. family, friends)

• Speak clearly and concisely

• Monitor your understanding by summarizing, or repeating back what your partner has said 

• Ask yes/no questions instead of open-ended questions if difficulty comprehending 

• Reduce environmental distractions (e.g. reduce background noise, stand face to face) 

• Be patient, and provide wait time 

• Avoid interrupting your partner, or trying to finish their statements for them 

• Use visual supports (e.g. pictures, symbols, letters, gestures)

• Ask what communication supports or strategies best assist them

Resources

There are many online resources available for patients, or families of patients with aphasia that provide education on aphasia, strategies, research and various supports. 

1. National Aphasia Association: https://aphasia.org/ 

2. The Aphasia Library: https://www.aphasia.com/

3. Alder Aphasia Center: https://adleraphasiacenter.org/aphasia-resources/ 

However, if you are looking to get involved with other members of the local South Jersey community, Insight Speech & Swallowing therapy has resources for you!

Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy is Excited to Now Offer: Conversation Circles

“Conversation Circles” is a bi-weekly group targeted to individuals with aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia who are interested in practicing communication, and meeting others from the local community. Sessions will last sixty minutes, and will include open-ended conversation activities. This group will allow participants to collaborate with one another, share successes or challenges regarding their diagnoses, practice communication, and build confidence and participation in conversations.

This group will meet biweekly on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 3-4pm, led by Kelli Humphrey.

$25 per session

In person and virtual options

Our first session will be held Tuesday 2/17 at 3pm! Call or email our office for more information and to register.

Conclusion

Aphasia can affect the way we communicate with those around us. Whether it be difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, or writing, each individual faces their own challenges. Speech therapy can address those impairments, and work to improve a patient’s participation and confidence across a variety of daily situations. Additionally, understanding and educating others on aphasia and successful communication strategies can be essential for maximizing effectiveness of conversations. Resources, including community groups, can be helpful for patients or family members to be a part of to share experiences, challenges, or successes with others.

We hope to see you at our upcoming events!

Phone: 856-200-8392

Website: www.insightspeechandswallowing.com

Kelli Humphrey, M.A. CF-SLP

About the Author

Kelli Humphrey is a clinical fellow in speech-language pathology licensed in New Jersey. She is supervised by Sophia Apgar, M.A. CCC-SLP. Kelli received her master’s degree from University of Delaware and is experienced across multiple settings including acute care, outpatient, and schools.

Specializations:

-Swallowing Disorders/Dysphagia

-AmpCare Certified

-Parkinson's Disease

-Mild Cognitive Impairment

-Traumatic Brain Injury

-Dementia

-Stroke- Aphasia, Apraxia, Dysarthria