Aphasia after a Stroke: preparing exchanges with multiple means
After a Stroke, a person with aphasia may encounter difficulties in expression, understanding, reading, or writing, with different profiles. A daily conversation therefore requires adjustments based on their actual situation and the cues provided by professionals.
Gestures, images, or writing can be part of the means tried. MY DICTIONARY can provide support for certain topics; the DYNSEO training also addresses communication with people with aphasia and the posture of partners.
Speak directly to the person and announce the topic
Present what you want to talk about with a clear sentence. Avoid rapid changes of theme, especially when several interlocutors are present. You can use an object or an image to share the same topic.
The tone remains adult and natural. Aphasia does not provide a general measure of intelligence, and difficulty speaking does not imply that everything is understood or that nothing is. Rely on the known profile and the recommendations of the speech therapist.
Combine means that suit the profile
An image can help evoke a person or an activity. A gesture, a drawing, or a few written words can also be useful for certain exchanges. Reading and writing may also be affected, so their relevance should be checked instead of considering them as automatic solutions.
Ask what the person prefers to use when they can specify it. Relatives can provide cues on familiar topics and means already tried, while leaving room for their own contribution.
Maintain the timing and direction of the message
Let the person formulate with the available means. Completing their sentences without prior agreement can change what they wanted to say. If you offer assistance, check that it corresponds to their request.
An example around a visit
You can show a photo to introduce the topic, let the person react, and then check if they want to talk about this relative, see them, or obtain information. The photo allows you to open the theme; it does not specify the entire message.
Check what has been understood
Summarize your understanding with an accessible formulation and use a reliable confirmation mode for this person. The answers "yes" and "no" should not be assumed to be perfectly usable in all situations; the team can help clarify the modalities.
A misunderstanding can be recognized simply. You can revisit the subject with another means or ask for the support of a partner, without making the conversation an exercise where a particular response is required.
Linking daily situations to professional follow-up
Keep descriptive examples: subject addressed, proposed supports, useful help, and ambiguities. They can help professionals understand the difficulties encountered in daily life and adjust their advice.
MY DICTIONARY is presented here as a possible communication support, not as a treatment for aphasia. DYNSEO training can complement the partners' work on posture and relationship, in conjunction with individualized support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all aphasic people understand everything?
Difficulties vary and can also concern understanding. It is necessary to start from the known profile, check the exchange, and follow the recommendations of professionals.
Should we write instead of speaking?
Writing can be useful for some people but can be difficult for others. Several means can be tried and combined according to the profile.
Does MY DICTIONARY replace speech therapy?
The application can serve as support in certain situations. It does not replace the evaluation or the individualized support of aphasia.
Prepare your next communication situation
Choose a concrete situation, then the posture benchmarks and supports suitable for the person. The training and MY DICTIONARY can assist in this preparation.
For further reading
- ASHA — Aphasia (in English): a reference resource on support or communication.
- Official MY DICTIONARY page: features and presentation of the supports.
- DYNSEO training program: content and modalities of the course.
The situations and examples proposed are preparation pathways to adapt with the person and their communication partners.
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