Types of Aphasia:
Your speech pathologist or doctor may use several different terms to describe your aphasia. The aphasia classification is based on three areas: fluency of speech, understanding, and your ability to repeat. Relative to each other, your abilities in each area will determine your "type of aphasia".
What is Aphasia:
Aphasia is an acquired loss of language abilities that does not affect a person's intellect. Persons who have aphasia may have difficulties with speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. There are different types of aphasia and diffefrent levels of severity. Typically aphasia is acquired from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Approximately one-third of persons suffering a stroke will have aphasia. According the National Aphasia Association, there are approximately 1 million persons living with aphasia in the United States.
Support:
Persons living with aphasia may now be isolated from former friends, be unable to participate in pre-stroke activities, and are twice as likely to become divorced. Support groups are often available in the area, but they may not be well-advertised. Call your local hospital to find out if there is a support group there. There are many stroke support groups, but fewer groups specifically for persons living with aphasia. Stroke support groups, however, may have persons living with aphasia in attendance. You can start your own support group! See the links below to find a support group near you.
There are free periodicals that you may find helpful for information and support:
