Aphasia … A Troubling Disorder
Aphasia is a neurological disorder (not a disease but rather a symptom of brain damage) caused by damage to the portions of the brain that are responsible for language. Primary signs of the disorder include difficulty in expressing oneself when speaking, trouble understanding speech, and difficulty with reading and writing.
Aphasia thus changes the way in
which we communicate with those people most important to us: family, friends,
and co-workers.
The impact of aphasia on relationships may be profound, or only slight. No two
people with aphasia are alike with respect to severity, former speech and
language skills, or personality. But in all cases it is essential for the
person to communicate as successfully as possible from the very beginning of
the recovery process.