Speech Language pathologists will often work with clients who have Aphasia. But what is Aphasia? Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to produce and comprehend language. What distinguishes this from a standard language impairment is that it can be the result of brain damage, most often due to a stroke, head injury, or brain tumor. Aphasia can come on quickly (as in the case of a stroke) or it can be a slow onset (as in the case of a slowly growing tumor.) This will often predominately impact the left side of the brain, which is known as the language center.
Can children have Aphasia? Yes, they can, although it is more common in adults. Aphasia can be either acquired, meaning it develops after brain damage, or developmental, meaning it is present from birth or early childhood due to a brain abnormality.
As you would expect, an SLP would be tasked with helping the individual with aphasia communicate as effectively as possible. This may involve working on speaking, word finding, writing, reading, and/or understanding language. It may involve using a variety of techniques and tools, such as picture symbols, gestures, reference books, or electronic communication devices (i.e.Alternative Augmentative Communication Device or AAC). With the ultimate goal being communicating needs and wants.
There are several different types of aphasia, each with its own unique set of language difficulties. The type of aphasia someone has depends on the part of the brain that was damaged.
Broca’s aphasia- May have difficulty speaking, but their comprehension is relatively intact. This type of aphasia is caused by damage to the Broca’s area in the frontal lobe.
Wernicke’s aphasia- May have difficulty understanding language, but their ability to speak is largely intact. This type of aphasia is caused by damage to the Wernicke’s area in the temporal lobe.
Global aphasia– Which is a severe form of Aphasia that affects both production and comprehension.
Anomic aphasia– Which is characterized by difficulty finding the right words.
Recovery from aphasia can be a long and challenging process, but with the help of an SLP and other healthcare professionals, many people with aphasia can make significant progress and regain some or all of their language skills.
To see some examples of what the different types of aphasia can look like feel free to look through the videos below.
Broca’s Aphasia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP8hkopObvs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE6woOFsxQA
Wernicke’s Aphasia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oef68YabD0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIWDVb94yxQ
Global Aphasia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUutVGeoG-k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiZudFy1ZVI
Anomic Aphasia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UH6xrzoSGg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUKmTo9U-gk
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