Aphasia & Communication After Stroke & Brain Injury
Communication can change after stroke or brain injury—but the person is still there. Learn what aphasia and apraxia are, how speech-language pathologists help, and practical ways survivors, families, and caregivers can communicate with more confidence.
Aphasia and Apraxia Are Not the Same
Both can affect communication after stroke or brain injury, but they affect different parts of the communication process. Understanding the difference can help survivors and families recognize what they may be experiencing and find the right support.
Aphasia
Aphasia affects language. A person may have difficulty speaking, understanding speech, reading, or writing even though they still know what they want to communicate.
Apraxia
Apraxia affects the planning and coordination of speech movements. A person may know the word they want to say but have difficulty getting the mouth and speech muscles to produce it correctly.
Aphasia and apraxia can occur separately or together, and they can look different from one person to another.
What Aphasia Can Affect
Speaking
Finding or producing the words you want to say
Understanding
Following spoken language or conversation
Reading
Understanding written words or sentences
Writing
Spelling, forming words, or expressing ideas in writing
How to Communicate With Someone With Aphasia
Good communication is not about rushing to fill the silence. Patience, listening, and giving someone time to express themselves can make a major difference.
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Slow down and listen — give the person time to respond.
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Do not finish every sentence for them — allow space for them to communicate in their own way.
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Try another cue — ask for a different word, a description, a color, a gesture, or another clue.
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Confirm yes and no — some people may accidentally reverse them, so verify important answers.
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Listen to understand, not just to respond — focus on the message, not the speed of the conversation.
Communication Difficulty Does Not Mean Loss of Intelligence
A person may have difficulty speaking, finding words, or expressing themselves clearly and still understand far more than others realize. Communication challenges do not erase personality, intelligence, identity, or the person behind the words.
“Just because someone can’t talk or speak clearly doesn’t mean they aren’t still that person inside.”
Trusted Aphasia & Communication Resources
Recovery and communication needs are different for every person. These organizations, survivor-led resources, and BRP conversations can help survivors, caregivers, and families learn more and find connection.
How Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help
Communication
Speaking, understanding, reading, and writing
Speech
Cognition
Attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive function
Swallowing & Voice
Helping address swallowing safety and changes in voice when appropriate
Producing clear and coordinated speech sounds
You Are Not Alone
Communication changes after stroke or brain injury can be frustrating and isolating for survivors and families. Recovery looks different for everyone, but you do not have to navigate it by yourself. Broken Road Project is here to help you find resources, community, and practical next steps beyond rehabilitation.