Broca's Aphasia
Also called non-fluent or expressive aphasia. People have effortful speech, short sentences, and good comprehension but difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
Your trusted aphasia guide
Support & Resources for Living with Aphasia
Aphasia affects the ability to speak, read, write, and understand language — but it does not affect intelligence. This site connects people with aphasia, families, and caregivers to the tools and support they need.
2M+
Americans living with aphasia
180k
New cases each year
6 types
Of aphasia identified
Understanding aphasia
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to speak, understand, read, and write. It most commonly occurs after a stroke, but can also result from a brain tumor, traumatic brain injury, or progressive neurological conditions.
Importantly, aphasia does not affect a person's intelligence or personality. People with aphasia know what they want to say — they simply have difficulty getting the words out or understanding what others are saying.
Aphasia can be mild or severe. With appropriate speech-language therapy, many people see significant improvements over time. Early intervention is key, but progress is possible at any stage.
Common Signs of Aphasia
- Difficulty finding the right words (word-finding problems)
- Speaking in short or incomplete sentences
- Substituting incorrect words or sounds
- Difficulty understanding spoken language
- Trouble reading or writing
- Speaking in unrecognizable words or phrases
- Using words in the wrong order
Diagnoses
Types of Aphasia
Aphasia presents differently depending on which area of the brain was affected. Knowing the type helps guide the right treatment approach.
Wernicke's Aphasia
Fluent speech but with many errors and made-up words. Comprehension is significantly impaired. The person may not be aware of their errors.
Global Aphasia
The most severe form, affecting all language functions. Usually results from large strokes. Limited ability to speak, understand, read, or write.
Anomic Aphasia
The mildest form. Fluent speech with difficulty finding specific words, especially nouns and verbs. Comprehension is generally intact.
Conduction Aphasia
Good comprehension and fluent speech, but difficulty repeating words or phrases accurately. Frequent self-correction attempts.
Primary Progressive Aphasia
A gradual neurological syndrome where language slowly declines over time, caused by degeneration of brain tissue rather than sudden injury.
Tools & support
Essential Resources
Explore organizations, apps, and tools that support people with aphasia and the people who love them.
National Aphasia Association
The leading US non-profit dedicated to aphasia — offering education, support groups, and a resource finder to locate local services.
Visit aphasia.orgFind a Speech-Language Pathologist
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association maintains a directory of licensed SLPs who specialize in aphasia treatment.
Visit asha.orgCommunication Apps & Devices
Lingraphica and other AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) providers offer specialized tools to support daily communication.
Explore toolsAphasia Recovery Connection
An online community connecting people with aphasia with peers, volunteers, and support networks through virtual meetups and social events.
Join communityStroke & Brain Injury Support
The American Stroke Association provides guides and support for survivors and families navigating recovery after stroke-related aphasia.
Stroke resourcesAphasia Institute
A world-leading resource based in Toronto offering Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) training and community programs.
Visit aphasia.caTreatment approaches
Therapy & Recovery Tips
Recovery is different for everyone, but evidence-based approaches and daily practice can make a significant difference.
01
Speech-Language Therapy
The primary treatment for aphasia. An SLP works one-on-one to restore and strengthen communication. Begin as early as possible for best results.
02
Constraint-Induced Language Therapy (CILT)
Intensive therapy that constrains the use of non-verbal communication strategies to encourage verbal speech production.
03
Group Therapy & Aphasia Groups
Group settings provide social support and a safe environment to practice communication skills with peers who understand the challenges.
04
Technology-Assisted Therapy
Apps like Constant Therapy and TalkPath allow people to practice language exercises independently, supplementing in-person therapy.
05
Music & Melodic Intonation
Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) uses the rhythm and melody of speech to help patients regain verbal communication abilities.
06
Supported Communication
Training conversation partners (family, friends, caregivers) to use strategies that help reveal the person's intact intelligence and ideas.
Family & caregivers
Supporting Someone with Aphasia
Caring for a loved one with aphasia takes patience, creativity, and compassion. Here are practical strategies to help.
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Allow extra time
Give plenty of time to respond. Avoid rushing or finishing sentences for them.
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Reduce distractions
Turn off the TV or radio. Face the person directly and maintain eye contact.
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Use multiple channels
Combine speech with writing, drawing, gestures, or pointing to pictures to communicate.
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Ask yes/no questions
Simplify choices when possible. "Do you want water?" is easier than "What do you want?"
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Take care of yourself too
Caregiver burnout is real. Join a caregiver support group and seek your own respite.
"Aphasia took my words — but not my thoughts, not my humor, not my love. My family learning to listen differently was the greatest gift they gave me."— Person living with aphasia after stroke, age 54
Every person with aphasia is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Stay curious, stay patient, and celebrate small wins.
Find Caregiver SupportApps & assistive technology
Communication Tools & Apps
Technology can play a powerful role in supporting daily communication. Here are widely used tools for people with aphasia.
📲 Constant Therapy
🗣️ TalkPath Therapy
🖼️ LetMeTalk (AAC)
📖 Aphasia Scripts
🎙️ Lingraphica TalkPath
🎵 iSpeech Fluency
🧩 Tactus Therapy
💬 Proloquo2Go
📝 Word Prediction Apps
🌐 Text-to-Speech Tools
Take the next step
Find Help Near You
Whether you need a speech therapist, a support group, or information for insurance — we can help point you in the right direction.
Find a Speech Therapist
Use the ASHA directory to locate licensed speech-language pathologists specializing in aphasia in your area.
Search DirectoryJoin a Support Group
Connect with peers who understand the journey. The NAA maintains a list of local and online aphasia support groups.
Find a GroupInsurance & Coverage
Understand what Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance typically cover for aphasia-related speech therapy services.
Learn MoreNAA Helpline
Call the National Aphasia Association helpline for personalized guidance on resources, specialists, and next steps.
1-800-922-4622Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Aphasia is a language disorder caused by brain damage — not a mental illness, and it has nothing to do with intelligence. People with aphasia often have intact thoughts, memories, and personality. The challenge is expressing those thoughts or understanding language.
There is no "cure," but many people with aphasia see significant improvement with speech-language therapy. Recovery is most rapid in the first months after onset, but improvement can continue for years. The brain's ability to adapt and rewire — called neuroplasticity — supports long-term recovery.
It depends on the severity and cause. Some people recover fully within weeks or months, especially after mild strokes. Others live with chronic aphasia for years and benefit from ongoing therapy and communication strategies. Primary Progressive Aphasia, caused by neurodegeneration, worsens over time.
Yes. Aphasia can affect any language a person speaks, including sign languages. Bilingual individuals may find that one language is more affected than another, and an SLP who speaks the person's language can be especially helpful.
While aphasia can affect anyone, it is most common in adults over 65 following a stroke. However, younger adults and even children can develop aphasia after traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, or infections affecting the brain.