Understand how aphasia affects communication, its different types, and the therapy and support options available for its treatment and management.
Written by: William Huynh, MPSA-CPSP, Director of Brighter Futures Allied Health
Published: 06 September 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general education only and should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment or personalised clinical advice. If you have concerns about speech, language, voice or swallowing, speak with a qualified speech pathologist or appropriate healthcare professional.
Aphasia is a language disorder that can affect a person’s ability to understand, speak, read or write. It can affect people in different ways, and does not necessarily affect intelligence.
Aphasia occurs when areas of the brain responsible for language are damaged. It most commonly develops after a stroke, but can also result from a brain injury, brain tumour, infection or other neurological conditions.
Clinician’s Notes: Diagnosing aphasia may involve a medical history, neurological examination and brain imaging such as a CT or MRI to identify the cause and location of brain damage, in addition to a speech pathology assessment. The Australian Aphasia Association estimates that more than 140,000 people in Australia are living with aphasia.
Aphasia is often described as fluent or non-fluent, based on how a person’s speech sounds and how easily they can produce language. There are also other types of aphasia that may affect specific aspects of language.
People with fluent aphasia can generally produce speech at a normal or increased rate, but their speech may contain incorrect words, made-up words or sentences that are difficult to understand.
People with non-fluent aphasia may have difficulty producing speech, resulting in slow, effortful or shortened sentences. They may understand more language than they are able to express.
Note that not everyone’s aphasia fits neatly into one of these categories. The pattern and severity of language difficulties can vary depending on the location and extent of brain damage, and a person may experience features associated with different types.
Consider seeking professional help if you or a loved one is experiencing ongoing difficulties with communication, particularly if these changes are new or becoming more noticeable. Signs that may warrant an assessment include:
If these difficulties appear suddenly, especially alongside facial weakness, arm weakness or sudden difficulty speaking, seek emergency medical attention as this may be a sign of stroke. For ongoing difficulties, a doctor can help investigate the possible cause, while a speech pathologist can assess communication and recommend appropriate support.
Treatment for aphasia focuses on improving communication and helping people find effective ways to express themselves and understand others. A speech pathologist can develop an individualised approach based on the person’s communication needs, abilities and goals.
Speech-language therapy focuses on strengthening or retraining language skills, including speaking, understanding, reading and writing, while developing strategies for everyday communication. It may benefit people who want to work on specific language difficulties or find alternative ways to communicate more effectively.
Group therapy focuses on practising communication and participating in conversations with other people with aphasia in a supportive environment. It may benefit people who want to practise their communication skills while connecting with others who have similar experiences.
AAC focuses on providing additional or alternative ways to communicate when speaking is difficult, such as through gestures, pictures, writing or electronic communication devices. It may benefit people whose spoken communication is not sufficient for expressing their needs, thoughts or ideas.
If you would like to learn more about aphasia, several Australian health organisations provide reliable, evidence-informed information online.
Online information can be a helpful starting point, but it cannot determine how aphasia is affecting you or your loved one or what support may be appropriate. If you have concerns about aphasia, speaking with a qualified speech pathologist can help you understand the person’s communication needs and explore therapy and management options.
William Huynh is a senior speech pathologist and the director of NDIS-registered provider Brighter Futures Allied Health. He has over a decade of experience working with children and adults with complex communication needs, including disability, dysphagia, and acquired language impairments. William has completed specialist training in approaches such as Key Word Sign, LAMP Words for Life, Grid 3, and Hanen’s More Than Words. He also supervises speech pathologists and student placements, supporting evidence-based and family-centred practice.
