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Aphasia after a stroke: how family can help conversations
Teens and adults
6 min read
Aphasia after a stroke: how family can help conversations
Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. Small changes in how you talk can make conversations work again.
Reviewed by
Priya Raman, M.S., CCC-SLP
Updated
October 1, 2026
What helps
Talk in a quiet place, one person at a time.
Use short sentences and give time to answer.
Write key words, draw or point to pictures.
Check you understood: “You mean the doctor's visit?”
What gets in the way
Finishing words too quickly.
Talking about the person as if they were not there.
Background noise and several people talking.
Keep them in the conversation
Ask for their opinion, offer choices, and keep doing things you enjoy together.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you are worried, ask a professional.
Sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), asha.org
National Aphasia Association, aphasia.org