Talking with someone with aphasia
— the one-page guide for families
Cognitrion™by Activénse AI · cognitrion.ai/caregivers.html
Hold onto this: aphasia affects language, not intelligence. The person —
their memories, judgement, and humour — is intact. You don't need to be a therapist; you need to be a
good communication partner. Research shows partner training genuinely improves conversation for both of you.
✓ Do
- Short, clear sentences — one idea at a time
- Give time: count to ten in your head before helping
- Gesture, draw, write key words, point — alongside speech
- Offer choices: "Tea? Coffee?" beats "What do you want?"
- Check back: "So you mean… ?"
- Say it out loud: "I know you know this — take your time"
- Include them in every conversation and decision
✕ Don't
- Don't finish their sentences at the first pause
- Don't shout — aphasia is not deafness
- Don't use baby talk — they are an adult
- Don't drill or quiz ("Say it properly!")
- Don't correct every error — the message matters most
- Don't speak for them when they can answer, even slowly
- Don't withdraw — isolation is the real enemy
Myths vs truth
"Make them repeat it until it's right." → Drilling causes withdrawal; supported natural conversation is what evidence backs.
"Mixing Hindi/Marathi/English confuses them." → Code-switching is a natural, useful strategy for bilingual speakers — let every language help.
"If they can't say it, they don't understand." → Understanding and speaking are separate — always assume competence.
"Recovery stops at six months." → Improvement can continue for years in a communication-rich home.
Look after yourself
- Accept help — a family rota beats one exhausted hero
- Keep one weekly activity that is yours alone
- Frustration is normal; it doesn't make you a bad caregiver
- Your role is partner, not therapist — connection is your superpower
Trusted resources
- National Aphasia Association — aphasia.org
- Aphasia Institute (SCA™) — aphasia.ca
- Stroke Association — stroke.org.uk
- ASHA (find a certified SLP) — asha.org