Aphasia: a language disorder caused by brain damage (commonly stroke or injury) affecting speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive language assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to evaluate comprehension, expression, word-finding, and functional communication (According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)).

Every year, aphasia impacts the lives of approximately 2 million Americans, and is more common than Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, or muscular dystrophy (National Aphasia Association, 2024). Unfortunately, aphasia rehabilitation is often short-term and limited by insurance, with speech therapy goals needing to be focused most on patient-driven communication for the best long-term benefits. In outpatient speech therapy at The Recovery Project, our patient’s ability to communicate in whatever way they can, with whomever they can, is our main priority. We address language, communication, and mental health, with family and friends encouraged to participate in therapy sessions. Going outside of the clinic office brings functionality and hobbies to therapy, creating dynamic environments to promote communication. Additionally, intentional playfulness is a form of psychological flexibility that allows people with aphasia to interact creatively with their own language abilities and support their mental health (Hayes et al., 2006; Evans, 2023). Going into the kitchen allows us to prepare favorite meals while focusing on directions, vocabulary, reading recipes, and writing ingredients. Bringing in grandchildren or family friends to therapy allows for turn-taking, expanding topics of conversation, and increasing social engagement. Practicing going to the grocery store and reading the grocery ads allows for increased independence with making wants known when words are difficult to say. When we practice activities of daily living in therapy, it becomes easier and more enjoyable to take the speech therapy back home and practice communicating with strategies learned in therapy. This carry-over is essential for ongoing communication and understanding that their voice matters outside of traditional paper and pencil activities. Encouraging people with aphasia to continue participating in activities they love is the best way to promote recovery, in and out of therapy!