We’ve all heard the phrase “lost for words”. And from time to time we all have problems finding the right words to express ourselves. However, for people who develop aphasia, a language disorder where it’s challenging to communicate, this can become part of their daily life. For those with aphasia, support from loved ones and others around them is vitally important to living a normal life.
“It can be hard for people with aphasia to express themselves, understand others or both. They can have difficulty with spoken language, reading and writing,” saidCarol Ann Parkinson, a speech-language pathologist withBanner Physical Therapyin Casa Grande, AZ. “But aphasia does not affect their intelligence or the way they think. People with aphasia deserve autonomy in their lives. Whenever possible, it’s important to support and encourage your loved one to communicate at home and out in the community."
What causes aphasia?
Aphasiais caused by damage to the parts of the brain that are responsible for language, most often on the left side. This damage usually occurs as a result of:
- Stroke
- 创伤性脑损伤
- Brain tumors
- Progressive brain diseases
How you can improve your communication with someone who has aphasia
Parkinson stresses the importance of patience. “Give your loved one time to ‘find’ the words they are looking for,” she said. It can also be helpful to:
- Limit background noise and distractions
- 在开始对话之前，请确保您有亲人的注意
- 使用较短的句子
- Repeat key words
- Use a slower rate of speech to aid their understanding
- 通过要求他们描述自己理解的内容来帮助阐明消息
- Ask a variety of questions, including yes or no questions
- Encourage the use of alternate communication methods when necessary. They can include writing, drawing, gestures, alphabet boards or other forms ofaugmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
What to avoid when communicating with someone who has aphasia
When your loved one has trouble communicating, you might feel impatient or frustrated. “Remember that aphasia is difficulty with expression and comprehension, not with hearing or intelligence,” Parkinson said. Here are some things you shouldn’t do:
- 除非他们要求您，否则请勿提供一句话或为亲人完成句子
- 不要大喊大叫 - 他们能听到你的声音
- Don’t use childlike language, which can imply that they lack intelligence
- Don’t pretend to understand if you don’t—work with them to help clarify their message
如何治疗失语症可以
There are several types of aphasia, and they are often separated into two categories—nonfluent and fluent aphasia:
- People with nonfluent aphasia typically understand better than they can speak. They might use single words, short sentences and leave words out. Broca’s aphasia and global aphasia are types of nonfluent aphasia.
- 流畅失语的人可能具有正常的语音节奏和公平的语法，但它们包含的单词或声音对听众来说听起来像是胡说八道。在温和的情况下，它们可能具有典型的语音，但用“事物”和“ that”之类的词代替名词和动词。Wernicke失语症和异常失语症是流利的失语症的类型。
- Primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia, can be fluent or nonfluent.
A speech-language pathologist can providetherapy to treat the different types of aphasia。在治疗中，失语症的人可能会练习口语，聆听，阅读和写作。他们还可以学习策略，以帮助他们弥补失语症和修复沟通时的策略。治疗课程可能是一对一的，有家人或亲人或小组。
The bottom line
Your loved one with aphasia may struggle to communicate. Your patience and support can help them share their thoughts. And speech-language therapists can help treat aphasia. To与语言病理学家联系to learn more, reach out to Banner Health.
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- The Best Ways to Communicate with Someone Who Doesn’t Hear Well
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