Transcript
Hi, I'm Emma.
When you have aphasia,
it can be very frustrating.
It's also hard for a person
to know how they can best
communicate with you.
In this video,
I would like to share some of the tips
to help communicate
with a person with aphasia.
People with aphasia
can still communicate.
It may be different than before.
You can get your message across
without speaking in full sentences.
For example,
you can use one or two words.
Or point or draw a picture
of what you are trying to say.
Sometimes it may be easier to write a message down.
Facial expressions and gestures
also help with communication.
Ask a yes or no question.
Or use a rating chart
with emojis
such as very good
to bad faces.
A person who has severe aphasia
may have a picture communication chart
with common words
used in a day.
For example,
breakfast, lunch, dinner,
get dressed
and television.
Yes, no, slow down.
I understand. And I don't understand.
A list of numbers
may be useful too.
These are just a guide.
Ask the person with aphasia
or their speech therapist
what works best for them.
Be patient and give the person with aphasia time.
Show them you value their contributions.
And please include them in conversations.
Let them know their thoughts and feelings matter to you.
If a group of people are visiting,
try to ensure
that only one person talks at a time.
Reduce background noise.
Use short, clear sentences,
simple words,
and ask questions
that can be answered
yes or no.
For example,
do you want an apple or a banana?
Not what do you want?
Check the person understands you and emphasise key words.
Keep to only one thought per sentence.
If they had not understand you
give more information.
Or repeat the message in a different way.
Don't be surprised if the person with aphasia
is emotional or uses swear words.
This is common after the stroke.
Be aware of fatigue.
Learning to talk and communicate again
is a lot of brain work
and is very tiring.
Accept that a person with aphasia
may not be able
to be involved
in long conversations.
Follow their guide
and give them the rest they need.
Be patient.
Don't shout.
Don't change the subject quickly
or jump from topic to topic.
And please don't treat us like a child.
