EXPERT PRIVATE ONLINE SPEECH THERAPY FOR APHASIA: UK

Our UK based Clinical Specialist Speech Therapists in Neurology hold senior positions within the NHS and have dedicated their career to Specialising in Neurology and Neuro-trauma. We are Clinical Specialists in Aphasia after a Stroke.

Private Online Therapy for Aphasia is as effective as face-to-face Therapy. Private Speech Therapy for Aphasia can offered alongside NHS therapy or when there is a long waiting list. Although we are UK based Private Speech Therapists, we treat clients internationally via Zoom.

To arrange a free consultation, contact our UK based Private Speech Therapy team now via email, telephone,
or our contact form.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is when a person has difficulties with their language (understanding, speaking, reading and/or writing) typically as a result of a stroke or brain injury.  Aphasia or Dysphasia are used inter-changably but they mean the same thing.

If a person has difficulty understanding, this is caused ‘Receptive Aphasia’. In severe cases, they may have difficulties understanding, but be able to still understand your gestures and what objects are used for. In milder cases, they might have difficulties following conversations and large chunks of information.

If it is a difficulty in talking, this is called ‘Expressive Aphasia’. They may have difficulties finding words, causing them to become frustrated as they might say the wrong word, or be unable to say the word at all.

If the difficulty is in reading, this is called ‘Acquired Dyslexia’. Visual and memory difficulties may co-occur with reading difficulties. In severe cases, people may find it difficult to read short words. In milder cases it might be difficulties reading and interpreting paragraphs, emails or newspapers.

If the difficulty is with writing, this is called ‘Acquired Dysgraphia’. In severe cases, people are unable to copy their name. In milder cases people might find it difficult to construct long emails or letters.

Some people with Aphasia have ‘reduced insight’ into their difficulties. This means they may be unaware that they have difficulties with talking and that people find it hard to understand them.

What are the causes of Aphasia?

Aphasia is caused by damage to the parts of the brain responsible for Language. This is typically the left side of the brain. Common causes are a Stroke, Severe Head Injury, a brain tumour, or a Progressive Neurological Condition such as Dementia.

How can Online Speech Therapy for Aphasia help?

We offer intensive bespoke individualised Aphasia Therapy programs to support a patient in achieving their goals. 

Aphasia Therapy online aims to :

• Help restore as much of your speech and language as possible.

• Help you communicate to the best of your ability.

• Find alternative ways of communicating.

• Support relatives to communicate with you more effectively.

An Online Aphasia assessment and goal setting session allows us to understand your language difficulties and ensure we are providing therapy that is patient-centered. We work closely with family members within sessions to facilitate Aphasia therapy. We use the latest apps and technology to ensure clients are able to have intensive Aphasia therapy online, outside of sessions for improved recovery.

Can Aphasia be treated?

The treatment for Aphasia is with Speech and Language Therapy. Evidence shows that Speech Therapy is effective for people with Aphasia following a stroke, compared to no therapy. Evidence shows that Aphasia Therapy Online is as effective as face-to-face Aphasia Therapy. For more information regarding what Aphasia Therapy involves click here

What is the best Speech Therapy for Aphasia?

There are two types of Aphasia Therapy – Impairment and Functional therapy. Impairment based therapy is usually repeated exercises based on your goals, using paper resources or apps. Functional therapy is the focus on real life goals that reflects your everyday communication interactions with others. This might involve training family members in supportive communication skills. It is important to work on both aspects to support your communication.

Can I have Speech Therapy for Aphasia in my own home? 

Yes. We use Zoom so that you can have Speech Therapy after a Stroke in the comfort of your own home.  We treat people internationally when they do not have access to a Speech Therapist in their own language. We are unable to treat people in America or Canada.

Is Aphasia treated on the NHS?

Yes. In the UK, a Speech Therapist is often part of the rehabilitation team within the hospital and community. When someone leaves hospital, rehabilitation does not usually stop – there are teams that enable people to be rehabilitated in their own homes. We often treat people when there is no Speech Therapist available through the NHS, when waiting lists are long or when people live overseas. We are a Private Speech and Language Therapy service which means you pay for therapy.

How can you help someone with Aphasia?

After an assessment, a Speech Therapist will be able to give you specific advice about the best ways in which to communicate.

Below is some general guidance:  

• Give the person plenty of time to respond. If a person with Aphasia feels rushed or pressured to speak they may become anxious, which can affect their ability to communicate.

• Use short, uncomplicated sentences.

• Do not change the topic of conversation too quickly.

• Avoid finishing a person's sentences or correcting their errors.

• Reduce distractions.

• If you don't understand something a person with Aphasia is trying to communicate, don't pretend you understand.

• Use visual references, such as pointing, gesturing and objects, to support their understanding.

• If they're having difficulty finding the right word, prompt them – ask them to describe the word, think of a similar word, try to visualise it, think of the sound the word starts with, try to write the word, use gestures, or point to an object.

Our UK based Private Aphasia Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Aphasia with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Aphasia Therapy.

Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Aphasia Therapy.