What is Aphasia
Aphasia is a communication disorder that does NOT impact intelligence or memory, rather a person’s ability to use language in the forms of speech, writing, reading and listening. Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say without being able to get it out or seeing letters on a page that you can’t put together as recognizable words or sentences.
Aphasia results primarily from stroke, brain injury or tumor, and less frequently as part of a progressive disease.
Aphasia may cause social isolation, loss of community and engagement in recreational, vocational and avocational pursuits.
Aphasia will impact 2 million Americans by the year 2020.
Learn more through this TedEd video
“The doctors and nurses saved my mom’s life after her stroke. TAP GAVE my mom her life back through community, acceptance, confidence, advocacy and support.”
Imagine
Suddenly you are transported to a foreign country where you can’t speak or understand the language. Your intellect intact, and with a clear knowledge of what you want to say, you have your thoughts, but can’t access the words to say or even write them. Words you hear or read appear unclear or without reference. “Why can’t I communicate?”
What you have just imagined is what life is like for individuals with a communication disorder known as aphasia. Aphasia is the result of injury to the brain from stroke, tumor and other illnesses. A person with aphasia retains intelligence, but experiences difficulty in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding spoken language.
