Stroke and head injuries are the most common causes of aphasia- loss of ability to understand or express speech. Having a family member experience a serious health issue and a lose their ability to communicate can be unsettling for adults and especially children.
Communicating With Individuals Experiencing Aphasia
Loss of language does not mean that people with aphasia cannot have meaningful conversations and interactions with their loved ones. Darlene Williamson, president of the National Aphasia Association provided the following tips, which can be applied based on the modalities affected.
If someone is struggling to use their language:
- Be patient. Try not to speak over someone or finish their sentence if they are working to get words out.
- Affirm when you understand what they have said by paraphrasing the statement. Try saying, “So, you want to go to the store. Did I understand that correctly?”
- Ask yes-or-no questions to allow for an easier response.
If someone is struggling to understand others’ language:
- Use simplified, short sentences when speaking to the person so they can more easily digest the information.
- Ask for affirmation that they understand what you are saying.
- Use your body language to talk expressively. Many gestures are universally understood and make it easier for a person to follow your speech.
- When appropriate, use visual aids. For example, bring pictures of your children’s music recital so you can have a conversation about the event.
Conversation Guide for Talking About a Family Member’s Condition
Gauge a child’s age and interest in their family member’s brain injury.
Younger children don’t need every detail, but they may be concerned that they did something wrong or won’t receive the same level of care from their family member. Older children, however, may have more questions about what caused the health incident and what it means for their family member.
Try saying, “Aunt Linda still loves you and wants to spend time with you. She may act differently than before, but that’s okay.”
Let their questions guide the conversation.
An easy way to make sure that you are addressing a child’s concerns is to let them lead the discussion with their curiosity.
Try saying, “Do you understand what happened? What questions do you have?”
Use language and examples they can understand.
Williamson suggested explaining language loss to a younger child by comparing it to something they have experienced.
Try saying, “You know how sometimes you are looking for a specific color crayon and you can’t find it right away? Your grandpa is having trouble finding his words, so it may take him a little longer to share them with you.”
Be honest about the changes they can expect to see in their loved one.
A stroke can have a number of effects, from impaired mobility to conditions like aphasia. It’s important to set a child’s expectations for how they will be able to engage with their family member.
Try saying, “Grandma can’t sit on the floor with you to color, but I’m sure she’d like to sit at the table while you draw.”
To learn more visit: https://www.aphasia.org/