What is Aphasia  

Supporting Someone with Aphasia:
A Guide for Families and Carers 

When someone you love is diagnosed with a condition you’ve never heard of, it can feel overwhelming. If you’re just starting your journey with Aphasia, we’re here to help. 

Our team of Speech Pathologists in North Brisbane are passionate about supporting families and carers. We want to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to feel confident in helping your loved one navigate life with Aphasia.  

What Is Aphasia? 

Aphasia is a language disorder that happens when certain parts of the brain, usually the left side, are damaged. These are the areas that help us speak, understand, read, and write. This damage is most commonly caused by a stroke or traumatic brain injury, but in some cases, it may develop more gradually, such as from a brain tumour or from neurological diseases such as dementia. 

Because our brains and language abilities are so complex, Aphasia can affect people in different ways. Some may struggle to find the right words, while others may speak fluently but not make sense. Understanding the type of Aphasia a person has can help in finding the best ways to support them. 

Types of Aphasia 

Aphasia is typically grouped into two main categories: 

• Non-fluent Aphasia: Speech is slow and effortful. People may use only a few words or short phrases or omit words altogether. 

• Fluent Aphasia: Speech flows easily, but the words may not make sense or may be incorrect. 
   

Broca’s Aphasia (Non-Fluent) 

Caused by damage to the brain’s frontal lobe (behind the forehead), Broca’s Aphasia often affects both speech and movement — usually on the right side of the body. People with Broca’s Aphasia may understand more than they can express. They often know what they want to say but struggle to find the words, which can be frustrating. 

Wernicke’s Aphasia (Fluent) 

Wernicke’s Aphasia is caused by damage to the temporal lobe (above and behind the left ear). This area plays a role in hearing and sensation as well, which is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘sensory aphasia’. People with Wernicke’s Aphasia speak in long sentences that may sound fluent, but the words can be incorrect or made-up. They’re often unaware their speech doesn’t make sense, which can make communication confusing for both parties.  

Conduction Aphasia (Fluent) 

This rare type of Aphasia is the result of damage to the connection between language areas in the brain – a pathway called the arcuate fasciculus. People with Conduction Aphasia can speak and understand reasonably well, but struggle to repeat phrases and may have difficulty finding the right words. 

Global Aphasia 

Global Aphasia is the most severe form and affects almost all aspects of language — speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. People with Global Aphasia may only be able to say a few words and understand very little speech. Importantly, their intelligence and personality are still intact, even if they can’t express themselves easily. 

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)  

Unlike the above-mentioned forms of aphasia caused from stroke or brain injury, PPA is a slowly and progressive form of aphasia that is caused by neurodegenerative diseases. The presentation of this diagnosis starts in the language area of the brain and then progresses to other areas leading to deficits in memory, planning, organising and potentially changes in personality. For more information, please discuss this with your speech pathologist.  

Anomic Aphasia 

Anomic Aphasia is a type of fluent aphasia where the individual will often struggle to find the right words when communicating. It is considered a milder form of aphasia, but it can still be very frustrating for the individual. You may notice in conversation that when they can’t think of the word they want to say, they’ll describe the word or idea… or stop talking mid-conversation!

Transcortical Motor Aphasia 

This type of non-fluent aphasia is very similar to Broca’s Aphasia. You’ll notice that the person has difficulty ‘getting words out’ but can repeat what you say back to you with great accuracy.

Transcortical Sensory Aphasia 

This type of fluent aphasia is often caused by damage to the left temporo-occipital or parieto-occipital regions of the brain. Like Transcortical Motor Aphasia, these individuals will be able to repeat what is said to them but are likely to struggle to understand the meaning of the words they’re saying. When talking they may make errors, saying semantically similar words (e.g. “truck” for “car”, “tea” for “coffee”).

How Can I Support Someone With Aphasia? 

1. Give Them Time 

Patience is one of the greatest things you can bring to a conversation with someone with Aphasia. They might need more time to find words or understand what you’re saying, and you may need to rephrase what you say at times or use communication strategies to support understanding. Let them know you’re listening and that you’re in no rush when you are having a conversation, and it will go a long way in helping them to feel more comfortable. 

2. Reduce Distractions 

Try to keep your environment quiet and focused. Turn off background noise like the TV or music during conversations with a person with Aphasia. If you’re talking about something specific, show them the item rather than just describing it. 

3. Use Helpful Communication Strategies 

After an assessment, a Speech Pathologist will provide personalised communication strategies to support an individual with Aphasia. This may include using gestures or images when you are talking to communicate an idea, using visuals or objects to support understanding, shortening your sentences and using simple words, or bolding keywords in written communication where possible.  

4. Remember – They’re Still the Same Person 

Aphasia may change how someone communicates, but it doesn’t change who they are. Most people with Aphasia still have their original thoughts, personality, and preferences. Avoid speaking in a patronising tone or making assumptions about what they understand or feel. 

With time, the right support, and the help of a Speech Pathologist, people with Aphasia can continue to regain skills and engage meaningfully in life and relationships. 

If you’re navigating Aphasia for the first time, know that support is available, whether that be through direct intervention with a speech pathologist or access to support groups with families who are experiencing similar life changes to you. You are doing an important and powerful job by showing up and learning. The team at Speak and Swallow Speech Therapy Brisbane are here to help guide you every step of the way.