How To Learn To Speak After a Stroke

According to the American Stroke Association, after a stroke, a patient could suffer from paralysis on the right side of the body, slow behavior, memory loss and problems with speech and language. Communication disorders caused by stroke include aphasia, apraxia and dysarthria. Several ways exist to re-learn how to speak after a stroke. Therapy will differ depending on the type and severity of the speech problem.

Instructions

Therapy for Aphasia

• 1

  According to the American Stroke Association, aphasia is a disorder that impairs the "ability to use or comprehend words." Consult a speech-language pathologist for individual treatment programs.

• 2

  Practice word/picture matching for understanding wording.

• 3

  Learn gestures to take the place of verbal communication.

• 4

  Join an aphasia group to learn tips from other survivors.

• 5

  Pace yourself and be patient. Recovery does not happen overnight.

Apraxia Therapy

• 6

  Apraxia of speech (verbal apraxia) is defined by the American Stroke Association as difficulty initiating and executing voluntary movement patterns necessary to produce speech when there is no paralysis or weakness of speech muscles.

  Once again, work with a speech-language pathologist.

• 7

  Practice sound production, like repeating words.

• 8

  Use alternative methods of communication, such as pen and paper or technology that provides voice output.

Dysarthria

• 9

  According to the American Stroke Association, dysarthria can affect the precision of speech sounds (pronunciation), the quality and loudness of the voice and the ability to speak at a normal rate with normal intonation.

  Find quiet places to communicate.

• 10

  Focus on your talking partners so they have a better chance of understanding you.

• 11

  Consider using telecommunications relay service, which provides a communication specialist/operator to give messages to the person you are talking to.