2018 Aphasia Awareness Challenge

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write.

Learn more about causes and types of aphasia. Or, read FAQs about aphasia.

Let’s #TalkAboutAphasia

June is aphasia awareness month, and this year’s theme is #TalkAboutAphasia. If 2 million people in the United States are experiencing aphasia, then our goal is make 2 million more people “aphasia aware” by talking about it.

You can help start a conversion by sharing one of the posts below, either by clicking on the ‘share’ link in the post or the link below it.

Share Post in Facebook

Or, cut and paste the following on your social channels:

#TalkAboutAphasia by talking with people who have aphasia. Learn more and help @NatAphasiaAssoc spread #aphasiaawareness: http://bit.ly/2s8erog

Communicating with people affected by aphasia

Our downloadable poster, made in conjunction with the American Stroke Association, gives communication tips to those experiencing aphasia and those speaking with someone with aphasia. Here are a few key tips to get you started:

1. Keep it simple. Speak in short, simple sentences.
2. Be Patient. Allow plenty of time for a response.
3. Remove distractions. Turn off radios and TVs.
4. Be Creative. Try writing, gesturing, pictures and communication tools like an iPad.
5. Confirm. Repeat back what you think he/she is saying.

How many people are aphasia aware?

84.5% of people have never heard the term “aphasia.” Only 8.8% of people have heard of aphasia and can identify it as a language disorder. Read more about aphasia awareness in our recent aphasia awareness report.