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Aphasia is a loss of words, not intelligence. Aphasia can occur as a result of a stroke, traumatic (car accident, fall) or non-traumatic brain injury (head tumor or an infection). All these conditions or injuries may affect the area of the brain that is responsible for speech and language. This listing provides consumer health resources for persons living with Aphasia and/or their loved ones. Different parts of language are in different parts of the left side of the brain. A person's type of aphasia depends on how your condition and/or traumatic event affects parts of your brain.
A person with aphasia may have difficulty in all areas of language: saying what they want to say; understanding what others say; reading; and writing. Aphasia does not mean a loss of intelligence. Each person with aphasia is different. Differences depend on many factors such as the severity and location of the stroke and the person's age. Some people may have physical problems while others do not. Try to avoid comparing the recovery of your family member with that of anyone else. Even though people with aphasia may experience life differently than before their injuries, they can still lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.
While getting out into the community and visiting with family and friends is beneficial, people with aphasia should try to attend aphasia groups for additional support. Being around other people who understand the condition is very important. Even a speech–language therapist, doctor, psychologist or family member does not know exactly what it is like to live with aphasia day in and day out.
For more information about Aphasia and Support, please click on the links below.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment was created to respond to the challenge of living with Aphasia.
Read more about aphasia: https://www.sralab.org/conditions/aphasia
Aphasia community programs: https://www.sralab.org/research/labs/center-aphasia-research-treatment/projects/aphasia-community-programs
Intensive Aphasia Program: https://www.sralab.org/research/labs/aphasia/projects/intensive-comprehensive-aphasia-program
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is a professional organization that has a mission to make effective communication achievable for all persons. Consumers can go on this website to locate a provider in their area by phoning the number below.
https://www.asha.org
Phone: 800-498-2071
American Stroke Association-Aphasia
A stroke may occur in areas of the brain that control speech and language can result in aphasia. The American Stroke Association has specific information on the types of Aphasia in addition to locating support groups.
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/cognitive-and-communication-effects-of-stroke/types-of-aphasia
Phone: 1-800-242-8721
National Institutes of Health- What is Aphasia
Provides up-to-date consumer health information on research, clinical trials on hearing and communication disorders, such as aphasia. Health information is available in Spanish and free pdf downloads are available by clicking on the website below.
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia
National Aphasia Association (NAA)
The National Aphasia Association (NAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for persons with aphasia and their families. NAA's goal is to provide access to research, education, rehabilitation,and advocacy services to persons living with aphasia and their caregivers. Some of the materials are available in Spanish and are available by downloading the pdf. There is a wealth of information on their website which can be retrieved by the following steps:
1. Go to the website:https://www.aphasia.org/
2. Scroll the tool bar across the top of the page (see topics bolded below with what each includes).
3. Click on any tab for a drop down menu, e.g., "What is Aphasia?".
4.Click on any item listed under the tab, e.g., "Definitions."
5.Click on the specific type of Aphasia to learn more, e.g., Global.
What is Aphasia?(available in Spanish)
https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-definitions/
- Definitions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Aphasia Quiz
- Awareness Report
Find Support
- Caregiver
- I Have Aphasia
https://www.aphasia.org/category/i-have-aphasia/ - Professional
Resources
- Helpful Materials
- Aphasia ID Card
https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-id-card/ - Caregiver and Aphasia Bill of Rights
Stories & News
- Blog Posts
- Legacies
- Aphasia in the News
You may also be interested in: Aphasia Support Groups on Listing for all Conditions
https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/listing-support-groups-all-conditions
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This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details. © Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter.
