My Aphasia. For me. For you.

I started by noticing what is hardest for me: finding words, understanding fast speech, reading long text, or writing. Naming the problem gives me power. I keep a simple note on my phone that says, for example, “Word finding is hard, reading is OK.” This guides what I practise each day.

Setting Up My Communication Environment

• Slow the world: I ask people to speak a little slower, use short sentences, and pause. I remind them gently if they forget.
• Reduce noise: I move to a quiet corner, turn off the TV, or use noise-reducing headphones when I need to focus.
• Keep tools nearby: I carry a small notepad and pen, my mobile with notes and pictures, and a card that says “I have aphasia, please give me time.”

Speaking Strategies That Help Me

• Start simple: I use short phrases first. If I get stuck, I switch the word, describe it, or point.
• Use time wisely: I take a breath before speaking, then one idea at a time. Silence is not failure, it is thinking time.
• Cue myself: I try the first sound of a word, think of a rhyme, or use a related word. “Dog” if “puppy” is stuck.
• Scripts for common moments: I write and practise set phrases for phone calls, shops, and appointments. Rehearsal builds confidence.
• Gesture and draw: I point, act it out, or sketch a simple picture. Communication is more than words.

Understanding Others

• Ask for repeats: I say, “Please say that again slowly” or “One thing at a time.”
• Check back: I summarise what I heard, “You want me to come at three on Tuesday, right”
• Use visuals: I ask people to write key words, show a calendar, or text details.

Reading and Writing, Step by Step

• Chunk it: I break text into short lines. I use a ruler or finger to guide my place.
• Key words first: I scan for names, dates, amounts, then fill in the rest.
• Draft without pressure: I write rough first, then tidy later. Spelling can wait.
• Templates help: I save message templates for common tasks like confirming an appointment or asking for information.

Technology That Supports Me

• Text to speech: I let my phone read long messages or web pages aloud.
• Speech to text: I dictate notes or messages, then edit the results.
• Word prediction and synonyms: I use apps that suggest words when I get stuck.
• Photo albums for talking: I keep albums of people, places, and favourite things. Pictures can carry a conversation when words wobble.

Daily Practice That Fits Real Life

• Five-minute drills: Short, regular practice beats long, rare sessions. I read headlines out loud or name items in a room.
• Functional tasks: I practise what I actually need, like ordering coffee or phoning the GP. Real practice gives real progress.
• Games with purpose: Simple word games, matching apps, or describing photos keep it light and still useful.

Handling Social Moments

• Set the pace: I choose smaller groups, quieter venues, and shorter visits. Quality over quantity.
• Prepare topics: I bring a few safe stories or photos to share. Planning reduces pressure.
• Buddy system: A trusted friend can support the flow, fill gaps, and protect my energy when I tire.

Appointments and Important Calls

• Plan ahead: I write three key points or questions. I bring a list of medicines and dates.
• Take notes or record: With permission, I record or ask for written summaries so I can review later.
• Bring an ally: Another set of ears helps me understand and remember.

Managing Energy and Emotions

• Rest the language muscle: Fatigue makes words slippery. I schedule breaks and quiet time.
• Notice wins: I log one small success a day, like finding a tricky word or finishing a call. It keeps motivation alive.
• Kind self-talk: I replace “I cannot” with “I cannot yet” or “I need a pause.” Compassion helps more than pressure.
• Share feelings: Aphasia affects me, and it affects my family and friends. I tell them when I am overwhelmed and agree signals for breaks.

Helping My Team Help Me

• Teach the basics: Speak slower, one idea at a time, write key words, give me time to reply.
• Agree signals: A hand raise means “pause,” a note card means “please write that.”
• Celebrate together: When I improve, we all feel it. We mark these moments, even the small ones.

Safety Nets I Keep Ready

• An aphasia explanation card in my wallet.
• Important phrases saved on my phone, like my address and emergency contacts.
• A simple plan for hard days, which might be text instead of calls, short visits instead of long chats, and extra rest.

When I Seek Extra Help

If I feel stuck, more tired than usual, or I notice sudden changes, I contact my GP or speech and language therapist for a review. Professional support complements my daily work.

Final Thoughts

Aphasia challenges who I was, then helps shape who I am becoming. I move forward by setting up my world to support communication, practising what I need, using tools that suit me, and leaning on my team with clear instructions. Every day I reduce one small barrier. Over weeks and months, those barriers stay down, and life opens up.