A simple guide
What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a difficulty with language. It can happen after a stroke or brain injury. It can also develop gradually with some brain conditions.
It can make it harder to
- Speak and find words
- Understand what people say
- Read
- Write
Everyone’s experience is different
Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. Everyone’s experience is different.
How you can help
- Give time: Let the person finish. Do not rush.
- Keep it simple: Use short sentences, one idea at a time.
- Try other ways: Use pictures, gestures, writing or drawing.
- Check together: Check you have understood their message.
Speech and language therapy can help
Support is tailored to the person and their everyday communication.
Sudden new difficulty speaking or understanding?
Call 999. This could be a stroke.
General information, not individual advice. Sources credited in the original Ember guide: Stroke Association (UK); NHS. September 2026.
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