Patience and Persistence in Aphasia Care

Communication is a fundamental part of our lives, something we often overlook. It helps us connect with others and navigate our daily experiences with ease. For those living with chronic Aphasia, though, this simple act can be a significant challenge. It’s important to recognize that not everyone experiences communication in the same way, and aphasia remains poorly understood by many. 

The Adler Aphasia Center is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by this condition, helping to foster understanding and connection.

Understanding Aphasia

Aphasia is a disorder that arises from damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language. This damage typically results from events such as a stroke, a head injury, or a tumor. When this occurs, the person’s ability to communicate is affected, along with their capacity for expression, writing, and overall understanding of language. 

How Aphasia Feels

Suddenly losing the ability to use language can be an incredibly confusing and frustrating experience. For a person with aphasia, the awareness of not being understood while struggling to find the right words can be equally scary and maddening. They may attempt to read something only to find that the words seem to slip away from their grasp, or conversations directed at them may feel like complete gibberish. It’s understandable for people with aphasia to feel trapped and lost in these moments. That’s why it’s essential to approach them with patience and persistence, offering unwavering support as they navigate this challenging experience.

Common Misconceptions Surrounding Aphasia

There are many misconceptions about aphasia, primarily due to a lack of understanding. Contrary to what some may think:

•  Aphasia is not rare
• It does not impact a person’s intelligence
• It can be improved

According to the National Aphasia Center, there are approximately 2 million individuals with aphasia. Individuals with aphasia retain the same intelligence they had before their brain injury. Additionally, there is a belief that nothing can be done to help those with aphasia. This notion is not only false but also very harmful.

Practice Patience and be Persistent in Communication Attempts

Individuals with chronic aphasia are just like everyone else; they remain the same people they were before their condition arose. Although there is no cure for aphasia, speech therapy and ongoing communication efforts are our most effective tools for improvement. While utilizing these tools, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of patience and empathy.

Tips and Methods to Try Out

The first tip to remember is acceptance. Understand what you have learned about aphasia and empathize with how challenging communication has become for someone with this condition.

Consider how frequently you communicate in your daily life and how essential this connection is. A person with aphasia also desires this connection and ease in their lives. Frustration is a natural emotion for everyone involved, but it’s important not to lash out. Instead, try a different approach. This could include repeating or rephrasing your thoughts, expressing to the person with aphasia that you are having difficulty understanding, or using gestures to facilitate communication. Then, persist in your efforts.

Practicing communication, both verbally and in writing, is crucial every day.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to use new technology. A person with aphasia might find it helpful, especially at first, to use their phone or other devices to express what they want to convey. Technology can be an excellent tool and may assist in various meaningful ways.

Find More Aphasia Resources at Adler Aphasia Center

Understanding aphasia and learning how to help is just the beginning of your journey. Individuals with aphasia require connection and companionship in their lives, and communication plays a crucial role in this. 

The Adler Aphasia Center offers various resources to further assist you on this path. Please contact us for more information and to learn all the ways we can be of service.