TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A PERSON WHO HAS APHASIA

 1. Speak in a slightly slower speech rate and remember you are talking to an adult.      Avoid talking "childlike".

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2. Use visual supports.  As you are talking, use a white board or blank paper to print      salient, relevant words to enhance the message you are relaying. Point to items        in your surroundings that relate to your message. Use gestures, drawings, facial        expressions for additional support.

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 3.  Avoid distractions. Noisy environments and background noise may impede                comprehension.  Conversation should be face to face to aid understanding. 

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 4.  "Check in" to be sure the person with aphasia is following the conversation.  It is        possible that there is too much information being conveyed and simpler,                    shorter sentences are required.  Ask, "are you following me?", "Is what I'm saying        clear?", or "Should I say it another way?".  

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5.  Be mindful of how you ask questions.  Many people with aphasia require                     choices or yes/no questions.  Instead of asking, "What do you want for dinner           tonight?", you may need to ask, "Do you want to stay home for dinner?", "Do you         want Asian food?", or offer written choices including "Asian, Italian, other..." .                   These forced choices provide greater opportunities for successful responses. 

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