Author: Stroke Connection May/June 2004

Tips for Socializing with Aphasia

Excerpted from the article “Talking Tough?”, Stroke Connection May/June 2004

For most, a stroke has a startling and life-altering effect on both the survivor and family members. All involved find themselves trying to come to terms with changes that range from physical and sensory loss to loss of speech and language.

For many survivors, it is this loss or change in speech (dysarthria, apraxia) and language (aphasia) that profoundly alters their social life. Ironically, research has shown that despite the difficulty of socializing, it is one of the best ways to maximize stroke recovery. Many experts contend that socializing should begin right away in the recovery process.

The question then becomes, for many living with aphasia, dysarthria or apraxia, how can they socialize if they cannot communicate how they used to.

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