Causes/Terms of Aphasia
True/False
Aphasia and stroke can appear suddenly, but warning signs can occur
True
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… um… oh… one sec… any scissors?”
A. Association
B. Delay
C. Describe
D. Synonyms
E. First Letter
Delay
Just give it a second or two. With a bit of extra time, the word may pop out on its own. Be patient with yourself, and ask your partner to give you time.
True/False
The ability to communicate using language is affected by aphasia.
True
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… (makes cutting gesture with fingers)?”
A. Gesture
B. Drawing
C. Look It Up
D. Narrow It Down
E. Come Back Later
Gesture
Use your hands or body to act out the word, like playing a game of charades. Even gesturing with your hands in a non-specific way or tapping the table may help activate the brain.
Aphasia has different terms based on the portion of speech has been effected, what is the term for aphasia that effects spoken language?
Broca's Aphasia
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… oh dear, those things that cut? Scissors!”
A. Association
B. Delay
C. Describe
D. Synonyms
E. First Letter
Describe
Give the listener information about what the thing looks like or does. Any extra information can help them know what you’re talking about. It may even help you to say the word.
True/False
Intelligence is affected by aphasia.
False
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… (draws scissors on a notepad)?”
A. Gesture
B. Drawing
C. Look It Up
D. Narrow It Down
E. Come Back Later
Draw
Sketch out a quick picture of what you’re trying to say. You don’t have to be an artist to use drawing to communicate.
Aphasia has different terms based on the portion of speech has been effected, what is the term for aphasia that effects the comprehension/understanding of spoken language?
Wernicke's Aphasia
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… ah my… they’re not knives, but like that?”
A. Association
B. Delay
C. Describe
D. Synonyms
E. First Letter
Association
See if you can think of something related. Even if it’s not quite right, it may prompt the word or convey the meaning.
What is one way to improve aphasia over time?
Speech Therapy
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… (points to scissors in a picture dictionary)?”
A. Gesture
B. Drawing
C. Look It Up
D. Narrow It Down
E. Come Back Later
Look it Up
Think if there’s somewhere the word is written down or pictured. A communication notebook, the Contacts app in your phone, or a ticket stub in your pocket may hold the word.
What are two warning signs of a potential incoming stroke?
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any…clippers?”
A. Association
B. Delay
C. Describe
D. Synonyms
E. First Letter
Synonyms
Think of a word that means the same or something similar.
True/False
The brain will not heal with time.
False
The brain can make new networks and heal with time along with therapy.
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any…oh…they’re office supplies.”
A. Gesture
B. Drawing
C. Look It Up
D. Narrow It Down
E. Come Back Later
Narrow it Down
Give the general topic or category. Is it a person, place, or thing? A family member or a friend? Stating the topic can help your listener predict what you might be trying to say by providing some context.
Aphasia has different terms based on the portion of speech has been effected, what is the term for aphasia that effects the comprehension/understanding, spoken, written, and comprehension of written language?
Global Aphasia
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… (traces an S in the air)… scissors?”
A. Association
B. Delay
C. Describe
D. Synonyms
E. First Letter
First Letter
Try to write or think of the first letter of the word. Scan the alphabet to see if each letter triggers anything for you.
What are two forms of communication affected by aphasia?
What word finding strategy is this?
“Do you have any… [tries every other strategy]… oh, never mind… I’ll ask you later.”
A. Gesture
B. Drawing
C. Look It Up
D. Narrow It Down
E. Come Back Later
Come Back Later
If you can’t think of the word and your partner can’t guess, it’s okay to give up for now. Our brains work out problems while we do other things, so it’s possible the word will simply pop out later. This is a last resort, so try other strategies first.