Aphasia (Talk With Me)
Imagine a world in which even the simplest communication with those around you was a gargantuan effort. Imagine the frustration of knowing exactly what you want to say but losing the ability to find words to express it. Imagine the impact this would have on your day-to-day life; a trip to the shops to pick up the milk, making a joke with friends or telling your partner that that you love them?
Unfortunately this is the reality for many Australian’s living with Aphasia. Communication is something that a lot of us take for granted and assume will always be there to help navigate us through the many different types of social interactions that we so effortlessly and automatically take part in every day. This ability can be taken away from those who have experienced a stoke, infection, or other types of damage, to the language centre in the brain.
Aphasia can leave people feeling isolated and cut off from their community. This year’s theme for Speech Pathology Week is Talk with Me so let’s help those around us with aphasia by engaging with them, giving them support to find the words, showing patience, understanding and getting support from a Speech Pathologist or aphasia support group. Everybody deserves the right communicate! How will you help someone with aphasia this week?
Katie Milton (Speech Pathologist)
Useful Links:
The Australian Aphasia Association
The Talkback Association for Aphasia Inc
Australian Aphasia Rehabilitation Pathway