Aphasia Explained: What It Is and How Speech Therapy Can Help
- Jamie Leal
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
When communication becomes difficult, it can impact every aspect of life—relationships, work, independence, and self‑confidence. One condition that often leads to such challenges is aphasia, a language disorder that affects the ability to speak, understand, read, and write. At Clarity Speech Therapy in Terre Haute, we believe in bringing clarity and compassion to each individual’s journey and offering 1‑on‑1 support to help restore meaningful communication.
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that arises when the parts of the brain responsible for language are damaged—most commonly after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological event. (NIDCD) The result is difficulty in expressing thoughts, understanding speech, reading, or writing—despite intelligence being fully intact. (Mayo Clinic)
Depending on the location and size of the brain damage, aphasia can present in different ways:
Expressive (Broca’s) aphasia, where speaking becomes effortful and broken, while comprehension remains relatively preserved. (Headway)
Receptive (Wernicke’s) aphasia, where a person may speak fluently but the words may lack sense, and understanding becomes impaired. (National Aphasia Association)
Global aphasia, involving severe impairments in both expression and comprehension. (Mayo Clinic)
Why Early Speech Therapy Matters
Time is a key factor in aphasia recovery. The sooner a person begins therapy after the onset of aphasia, the better the potential outcomes. Speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) use evidence‑based techniques to rebuild communication pathways, teach alternative strategies, and restore confidence. (The Aphasia Library)
At Clarity Speech Therapy, our mission is to provide personalized, one‑on‑one care—from initial evaluation to successful communication. We believe that no one should be passed to assistants or left on a long waiting list. Our licensed therapists support you, side by side, on each step of the journey.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
Therapy for aphasia may include a variety of interventions tailored to the individual’s strengths, needs, and daily goals:
Word‑finding and naming activities (e.g., using images, role‑play, and conversation tasks)
Sentence formulation and conversational repair strategies
Reading and writing support, including alternative communication tools
Life story and meaningful content work, helping you reconnect with your identity and voice. (Better Speech)
Partnering with Loved Ones
We understand how aphasia affects not only the person experiencing it, but family members and friends too. At Clarity Speech Therapy, caregivers and loved ones are welcomed as essential partners in the process. We offer education, home strategies, and tools to support everyday communication.
Clarity Speech Therapy: Your Partner in Recovery
Based in Terre Haute, Indiana, Clarity Speech Therapy is committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate, individualized care. We accept Medicaid, require no referral, and provide therapy in a respectful environment where your voice is valued.
📍 2901 Ohio Blvd Ste. 111, Terre Haute, IN 47803📞 812‑328‑7300🌐 www.clarity.rehab
Whether you’re just beginning the path of recovery or seeking support after years of struggle, we’re here to help bring clarity—one word, one conversation, one connection at a time.
Sources
“Aphasia.” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (NIDCD)
“Aphasia.” American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA). (ASHA)
“Aphasia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. (Cleveland Clinic)
“Aphasia Treatment Approaches and Interventions.” Tactus Therapy. (ADULT SPEECH THERAPY)
“Speech Therapy Activities for Aphasia.” Better Speech. (Better Speech)
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