Types of Aphasia – How Stroke Affects Language
Language is much more than words. It involves our ability to recognize and use words and sentences. Much of this capability resides in the left hemisphere of the brain. When a person has a stroke or other injury that affects the left side of the brain, it typically disrupts their ability to use language.

Aphasia vs. Apraxia
Communication conditions following stroke may include aphasia, apraxia of speech and oral apraxia. At times, it may be difficult to identify which of these conditions a survivor is dealing with, particularly since it is possible for all three to be present at the same time.

Aphasia: Helping Others Get Comfortable
Humans make language, and when aphasia takes language away, life can get frustrating. As fluency evaporates, sometimes friends do too. This article outlines ways stroke families can help overcome the awkwardness and distance that aphasia often creates.

Dysarthria & Apraxia – How Stroke Affects Speech
Speaking is a complex process, and there are many ways it can be affected by a stroke. Speech therapists Julie L. Wambaugh & Shannon C. Mauszycki discuss the effects of stroke on the mechanics of speech. They investigate apraxia and dysarthria, which result when speech, as opposed to language, is altered by stroke.

Auditory Overload
Sometimes sounds become overwhelming, and our brains can’t decipher meaningful speech from noise. If noise levels become too loud or last too long, our auditory system can overload. When that happens, it becomes impossible to understand what is being said.

Reading, Writing and Math

Reading Rehab
Margaret Greenwald, Ph.D., a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, discusses acquired dyslexia and outlines simple at-home techniques that can help survivors learn to read again and gain the many benefits reading offers.

Putting Words on Paper
Aphasia can inhibit written words as well as spoken ones, but there are things you can do to make it easier to communicate.

Acalculia – Math Challenges After Stroke 
Simple math and arithmetic is sometimes problematic for stroke survivors. This article gives practical tips for overcoming this vexing condition.

Maximizing Communication Recovery & Independence

Talking Tough?
Tips for socializing for people with aphasia from speech language pathologists Angela Hein Ciccia, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Jamie Harding, M.A., CCC-SLP.

Constraint Induced Language Therapy for Aphasia
Constraint induced therapy is a leading development in physical rehabilitation over the past decade. It is now being applied to speech therapy. Two speech pathologists, evaluate the potential of constraint induced language therapy.

Actions Speak as Loud as Words
Professor Anastasia M. Raymer of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia discusses how intentional gestures can help people with aphasia not only communicate better but also access spoken language more effectively.

Computers & Language Rehab
From assisting in speech therapy to actually speaking for survivors, computer technology is adding a new dimension to stroke recovery.

From Singing to Speaking
Often survivors with aphasia cannot produce meaningful speech, but they can sing. A speech therapist and two neuroscientists developed a program that helps people in this situation learn to speak again.

When the Word Escapes
For many survivors with aphasia, finding the right word can be an ordeal. There are a number of causes of this deficit, which is called anomia. Speech therapist Janet Patterson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP shares her insights about its causes and some helpful tips for overcoming it.

Options for Aphasia Therapy When Insurance Stops
Recovery from aphasia is a process that may continue for many years. Unfortunately, most people with aphasia find that their insurance coverage runs out before they are ready to stop receiving therapy. It is often frustrating for the patient and their family as they try to continue the recovery process with very limited professional support.

Tips from people living with aphasia

Living with Aphasia
This unique article highlights a round table discussion of people dealing with aphasia from the York-Durham Aphasia Center in New Market, Ontario.

Communication Advice from Experts – Survivors with Aphasia
Aphasia patient Gary Milner interviewed the members of the Aphasia Treatment Program (ATP) at California State University, East Bay. He came away with helpful, real-world tips for communication.