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• Communication skills project

Aphasia, also known as dysphasia, affects around a quarter of a million people in the UK as a result of stroke, head injury or other neurological condition. It is basically a loss of communication skills. People with aphasia find it hard to speak, read, write or understand language, yet their intellect remains intact.

Dysarthria is poorly articulated speech, such as slurring and difficulties expressing certain sounds or words. People who are affected may also speak very quietly. Dysarthria is a feature of many neurological conditions including cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.

If you are communicating with someone who has aphasia, or dysarthria, it would be most useful to find out if they have a speech and language therapist (SLT) who could advise you on the best way of facilitating communication with the individual.

If you are communicating with someone who is using augmentative or alternative communication systems, you may find useful tips on the Communication Matters website.

Here are some tips for communicating with someone who has problems with communication:

• Face the person you are talking to.
• Slow down rate of speech.
• Remove distractions and reduce background noise in the room.
• Find out how the communication impairment affects the particular person you are talking to (tiredness, pressure, feeling unwell, etc. can all affect communication).
• Don’t overload the person. Break down your speech to give one part of a message at a time, e.g. ‘would you like tea or coffee?’
• Use short simple phrases and sentences.
• Establish a way of communicating ‘yes’ and ‘no’ e.g. by nodding and shaking the head; thumbs up or down; communication cards; eye-pointing.
• Try to imagine what the person might want to say.
• Using questions that need only a yes/no answer can help.
• Use writing, and draw pictures, as well as speaking.
• Give the person time to speak and to answer.
• Maintain contact with the person while they struggle – look towards them (not necessarily eye contact, which may be off-putting).
• Look interested; wait patiently; avoid filling in the gaps.
• Show sympathy if the person becomes upset or frustrated.
• Sometimes people may show inappropriate emotions (laughing or crying) or use rude or offensive words. Ignore it or take a break.
• Use your normal voice and expression.
• Be calm.