Having aphasia and apraxia sometimes make life difficult and can be isolating. At times family and friends shy away from from interaction because are afraid of what to say. The important thing is to show up. Be there with the person. Knowing you are there support them can make all the difference.
Here are 10 communication tips for talking to someone with aphasia and why they are important.
Have the conversation in an environment without distractions. For me, when the TV is on or there is music playing, even in the background, I can lose my focus. If a distraction occurs, like a phone ringing, suspend the conversation for a minute and then resume when things are quiet again.
If the person can't say complete sentences yet, ask questions that require only one word or answer. Yes/No questions or posing either/or questions are good. Be aware, however, that at the beginning yes and no can sometimes be confused. (Even now I sometimes say the wrong answer. You have to laugh about this sometimes. Confirming the answer is always good. With either/or, it is always nice to give only two possible responses; do you want apples or a banana?
Use hand gestures in addition to verbal language. This is good for those of use who naturally do this in conversation. Being concrete about the thing you are talking about works really well. I'm going to the kitchen (point to that direction) to get something to eat. Would you like anything?
Simply language. Use shorter, uncomplicated sentences. But never talk like you would talk to a baby.
Use a natural conversational manner. This is not a lecture, but a conversation between adults.
Use more than one communication method if possible. Speaking, writing, drawing are all ways to communicate. Having a piece of paper and pen handy is great. Even better for me was using a portable white board. In the early months, I took my white board where ever I went, especially to Dr.'s offices.
Avoid correcting the person's speech. If the person with aphasia isn't aware of the error, it does nothing to correct them. I learned this a long time ago when I taught ESL. Until the person is ready to understand the error, you can correct them over and over and nothing will happen.If the person with aphasia can hear the error, it's up to him/her to ask you for assistance with the correct word. Sometimes the error can be passed off if the conversation is flowing. If there is confusion, then the listener can without correcting, can redirect.
Allow the person plenty of time to understand and talk. It's hard for me to formulate my response quickly and sometimes even clearly. When I'm given time, it can make a big difference.
If two or more people are talking to person with aphasia, make sure that only one person speaks at a time.
Try to stay on one topic at time. Whenever a change of a topic is made, make sure the person with aphasia is aware of the change.
I hope these tips will help family members, friends and medical staff to communicate better with people with aphasia. Having aphasia can be really isolating. The most important thing I believe is having family and friends close. And it is also very important for medical staff to communicate with the patient and make it possible for them to have a say in healthcare decisions.
