How do I talk to someone with aphasia?

Aphasia and communication

Hi again. Aphasia is when a person has difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, or writing, often after a stroke or brain injury. It can change the way everyday conversations happen. In this topic, we’ll look at the kinds of communication changes you might notice, what they can mean in daily life, and how you can help make conversations flow more easily.

Understanding changes in communication

Aphasia can look different for each person. Sometimes, words come slowly or get mixed up. Other times, the same phrase is repeated again and again. It might be difficult to follow group conversations or keep track when topics change. Reading and writing can take more effort, even if they were easy before.

These changes are common. They’re part of how the brain recovers after injury. And while progress can take time, it can still happen months or even years later. Your support is one of the most important factors in helping the person you care for find ways to connect again.

Everyday challenges you might notice

Now let’s think about some situations you may see in daily life. You might notice moments when the person can’t ask for something they want, even though they know what it is. They might seem confused after hearing instructions. Yes or no answers might not always match the situation. Following a story, whether on TV or in a conversation, might be harder than before.

You may also notice that using the telephone is harder, because there are no facial expressions or gestures to support understanding.

These moments can be frustrating for both of you. The more you notice what is tricky for them, the easier it becomes to adapt how you communicate together.

Helping conversations flow

There are many ways to make conversations smoother, but not every tip will suit every person. If your loved one is in the earlier part of recovery, when speech or understanding is very limited, you might need to keep things even simpler and rely more on gestures, objects, or pictures. If they can manage short sentences, these ideas can help:

• Speak in shorter sentences. If they can follow short instructions, split them into single actions. For example: “Pick up your coat.” [pause] “Put it on.” If that feels too hard, show the action, point to the coat and mime putting it on.

• Reduce distractions and face them. Turn off the TV, move to a quiet spot, and sit face-to-face. Try to have only one conversation at a time if other people are present.

• Give more time to respond. Ask a question and silently count in your head before speaking again. If they are not able to answer yet, give time after showing an object or picture before moving on. Avoid completing their sentences unless they ask you to.

• Check understanding by asking them to show you. For example: “It’s time for lunch, can you show me where the plates are?” If that’s too difficult, offer two clear visual options and see which they choose. You can also repeat back what you think they said and ask if there’s more to add before moving on.

• Use clear cues from the environment. If you’re talking about the garden, stand near the door or hold a plant pot. If someone has more difficulties understanding speech, you might skip talking and simply point, gesture, and wait for a reaction.

• Be flexible and repeat what works. If speech isn’t working, try pointing, gesturing, drawing, or using photos on a phone. Notice which methods help and use them often.

Small adjustments like these can make conversations less tiring and more successful for both of you.

Encouraging progress without pressure

Progress in aphasia can be slow and unpredictable. Celebrate small wins, a clear word, a meaningful gesture, or a moment where you both feel understood. These are real steps forward.

Caring for someone with aphasia can be demanding, so take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling stuck, a speech and language therapist can give tailored ideas and exercises to try at home.

Peer support can also make a big difference. Meeting others with aphasia, whether locally or online, helps you feel less alone and gives you a chance to share experiences too.

Your role matters

Every calm, supportive interaction helps your loved one feel more confident. This isn’t about perfect sentences, it’s about staying connected, feeling understood, and finding ways to share life together. One step at a time.

This is a topic from the SuperPenguin app, made for families who use it. It is general information for the family and carers of someone with aphasia, not a plan for one person: the speech and language therapist in the stroke team tailors these ideas to the person you care for.

Next step: families use SuperPenguin through a participating service, or through their postcode where Postcode Access is commissioned. See how to get access on the Family access page.