Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder that is caused by damage to the brain that impacts one’s ability to communicate. A stroke or traumatic brain injury most often causes aphasia. It may also occur following a progressive neurological brain diagnosis such as dementia or primary progressive aphasia. A person with aphasia may have trouble understanding, speaking, reading, or writing. When one or all of these areas are impacted, it can be very challenging and frustrating to communicate with those we love.
When thinking about a language disorder, some questions one can ask to determine if they may benefit from the intervention of a speech-language pathologist include:
Are you having difficulty finding words? Saying the wrong word? Mixing up sounds in words?
Expressing your thoughts or following directions? Finding it difficult to participate in conversations due to reduced understanding?
Has it been difficult for you to enjoy reading when it once was a pleasurable hobby of yours? Are you having difficulty understanding numbers or symbols, like reading a clock?
Are you having difficulty putting your thoughts into words on paper? Increased errors with spelling, writing emails, and text messaging?
Here at Navigating Neuro Speech Therapy, I focus on speech and language goals that are meaningful to your interests, profession, and personal life. Therapy always includes a collaborative approach for ongoing education for the client and all caregivers. When appropriate, we will also use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to support communication. We want to maximize communication in ways that are meaningful to you!