What About Speech Therapy?

It is important that a person with aphasia, along with his/her family, meet with an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist who can help them to understand about aphasia and determine the best ways to communicate.  A period of speech-language therapy is often beneficial, and should start as soon as the person can tolerate a few minutes of therapy.  Family members should attend therapy to learn communication strategies.

Just as some people continue to have paralysis and require a wheelchair after a course of physical rehabilitation, some people will continue to have aphasia after formal speech-language therapy has ended.  The end of therapy is an important transition point.  The person with aphasia will benefit from:

• Being in an environment in which people understand about aphasia and make efforts to include him in meaningful conversation.

• Having family members and friends who make an effort to learn about aphasia, and who include the person in decision-making