Aphasia

One in three stroke survivors have aphasia. Stroke survivors who have aphasia find it difficult to speak, read and write. 

Chris Clark, UK Director, Life After Stroke Services, shares his understanding of the impact of aphasia.

Our easy guide explains how to communicate better with stroke survivors who have aphasia.

• Aphasia Communication guide
• Aphasia Communication guide - Welsh version

Amber Garland, 22, has aphasia as a result of a stroke. Amber explains: “Three years ago, I woke up and I had no speech at all. I could not swallow well and pointed to everything. I nodded but I did not understand."

Despite amazing progress, Amber still wishes people understood her better when she speaks. Read and watch Amber’s story here.

Sarah Scott, who had a stroke when she was just 18, also has aphasia. She recently appeared on Channel 4's The Undateables to raise awareness of her condition. Over the last four years her mum Joanie has been recording her progress in regaining her speech. Below is the latest video, and if you view the earlier ones on her YouTube channel, you can see just how far Sarah has come.

Almost 800 stroke survivors with aphasia shared their experiences through a survey we conducted in December 2012. You can see the results of the survey here, and you can watch a video of some of the respondents below:

We know that aphasia does not have to mean loneliness and isolation.

We know the right support can help. Watch a video of Cuckfield Aphasia Choir.

• You can search for some of our local services here or ring the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
• You can read our factsheet on communication problems after stroke.
• You can visit TalkStroke to meet other people affected by stroke and share experiences.
• You can help change lives for people affected by making a donation to Stroke Association.

If you are a health or social care professional and would like to find out more about the support services we can provide for people who have aphasia, please see the Professionals section of our website or email us at services@stroke.org.uk.

Hilary Devey, BBC Dragon’s Den star and Stroke Association supporter, says:

“My communication wasn’t affected by my stroke, but I can only imagine how devastating it would be. It’s hard enough getting your life back on track, but not being able to speak, read or write would make it all the more harder. I hope through this campaign more people will support the Stroke Association in giving stroke survivors back their lives.”

John Humphrys, BBC Broadcaster, says:

“There are over 300,000 stroke survivors who have aphasia, which means they have difficulty being able to speak, read and understand. It's a condition that strikes at the very essence of what it is to be human. As a broadcaster I can't even begin to imagine it. Please join me in supporting the Stroke Association as they work to give people a better life after stroke.”

You can leave a message for stroke survivors who have aphasia below: