How to Talk With Someone Who Has Aphasia

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand or use language. It’s usually caused by brain damage from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological illness. If someone you care about has aphasia, it’s natural to feel unsure about how to talk with them. You may not know what to say, how much to say, or how to respond when communication breaks down.

Here’s the good news: people with aphasia are still intelligent, thoughtful, and capable. They just need more support to express themselves. By understanding what aphasia is and using the right strategies, you can have meaningful conversations and help reduce frustration for both of you.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is not a mental illness or intellectual disability. It’s a language disorder that makes it hard to speak, understand speech, read, or write. Some people have mild aphasia and can hold short conversations. Others may struggle to say even one word.

There are different types of aphasia, including:

●      Broca’s aphasia – difficulty speaking or forming sentences, but understanding is often intact.

●   Wernicke’s aphasia – speech is fluent but may not make sense, and understanding language is impaired.

●      Global aphasia – severe difficulty with both speaking and understanding.

●      Anomic aphasia – problems finding the right words, especially names or objects.

Everyone experiences aphasia differently. That’s why patience, flexibility, and compassion are key.

1. Start With Respect, Not Pity

One of the most important things you can do is treat the person as an equal. Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. Use a normal tone of voice. Don’t talk down to them. Don’t avoid them. Don’t assume they can’t understand you just because they don’t respond right away.

It may take extra time and effort to get your message across—but that doesn’t mean your friend, parent, coworker, or partner has nothing to say. Give them the respect they deserve and the time they need.

2. Set the Scene for Success

Environment matters. The right setting can make conversation smoother and less stressful for someone with aphasia.

Here are a few tips:

●     Minimize background noise. Turn off the TV or radio. Loud or crowded spaces can make it hard to focus.

●     Maintain eye contact. This shows you’re present and gives them visual cues.

●     Speak face-to-face. Don’t try to talk from another room or while walking away.

●    Make sure they can see your mouth. This helps with understanding, especially if they’re using lip reading or context cues.

3. Use Simple, Clear Language

It’s not about “talking baby talk” or being overly slow. It’s about keeping language accessible and structured.

Try these strategies:

●     Speak in short, direct sentences.

●     Use everyday words.

●     Focus on one idea at a time.

●     Pause between thoughts to give time for processing.

Instead of:

“Hey, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to head over to the coffee shop later this afternoon if you're feeling up to it?”

Try:

“Do you want to get coffee this afternoon?”

It’s still warm and polite—but far easier to understand.

4. Be Patient—Really Patient

Communication with aphasia can take longer. Silences might stretch. Words might get tangled. And you may need to rephrase or repeat things more than once.

Don’t interrupt.
Don’t finish sentences unless asked.
Don’t pretend to understand if you don’t.

Give the person time to find their words. Rushing or correcting too much can increase anxiety, which only makes speech harder.

Instead, nod, encourage, and wait. If they’re struggling, you can offer help by saying, “Do you want me to guess?” or “Can you show me?”

5. Use Visuals and Gestures

Communication doesn’t have to be all verbal. Many people with aphasia benefit from multi-modal support—that means adding pictures, gestures, or writing to help them understand or express ideas.

Here’s how you can help:

●   Use gestures or point to objects or images.

●   Draw simple pictures or write keywords.

●   Use a communication board or tablet if one is available.

●   Offer choices visually (e.g., hold up two options and say “this or that?”).

Sometimes just seeing the word or image helps unlock their own ability to say it.

6. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Every conversation doesn’t need to be smooth or grammatically correct. The goal is connection, not flawless speech.

Celebrate small wins:

●  A single word after a long pause.

●  A correct gesture or expression.

●  A laugh at a shared joke.

Be open to alternative ways of communicating, including body language, facial expressions, or even pointing. What matters is that you’re still showing up and communicating with care.

7. Learn Their Personal Communication Style

Everyone with aphasia has their own strategies and preferences. Some may use a notebook. Others might rely on gesture. Some want lots of help; others prefer space.

If you're a regular communication partner (like a family member or caregiver), consider working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to learn customized strategies that suit your loved one’s needs.

Some people benefit from what’s called Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™)—a method that trains communication partners in how to structure conversations so the person with aphasia feels understood and empowered.

8. Don’t Make Assumptions About Recovery

Recovery from aphasia varies. Some people regain speech quickly; others improve slowly over time. Even years after a stroke or injury, people can still make progress with the right therapy and support.

Avoid phrases like:

●  “He’ll never talk again.”

●  “She’s stuck this way.”

●  “It’s too late for therapy.”

Instead, focus on what’s possible. People with aphasia can still learn, grow, and adapt. Speech therapy—including online services—can help rebuild language skills and confidence.

9. Stay Social—Don’t Isolate Them

Aphasia often leads to social isolation. Friends stop calling. Conversations feel awkward. Invitations disappear.

But staying social is crucial to emotional health and recovery.

Invite them out. Include them in group chats. Let them take the lead when possible—but don’t disappear because communication is harder.

Being patient and staying connected can make all the difference.

10. Encourage Therapy and Practice

People with aphasia benefit from ongoing therapy that’s tailored to their level and goals. Even if in-person clinics aren’t an option, online speech-language therapy—like the services offered here at Anywhere Speech & Language—can be just as effective and often more convenient.

Encourage practice:

●  Use apps recommended by an SLP.

●  Review vocabulary together.

●  Read aloud short phrases or signs.

●  Talk about familiar topics to reduce pressure.

Little by little, practice builds confidence and capability.

Final Thoughts

Talking with someone who has aphasia isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it. It takes empathy, patience, and a willingness to slow down. But in return, you get to keep your connection strong—and help the person you care about feel heard, valued, and included.

If someone in your life has aphasia, we’re here to support you. At Anywhere Speech & Language, we offer personalized, online speech therapy services for individuals living with aphasia and their families. Whether you're looking for therapy, coaching, or guidance on how to communicate more effectively, we’re ready to help.