Aphasia is a communication difficulty. It can happen after a stroke or other type of damage to the parts of the brain involved with language. People who have aphasia may find it difficult to use and understand speech, to read and write. Sometimes, using gesture and numbers can also be difficult. Intelligence remains the same. Aphasia is different for each person. Some people have severe difficulties and can feel locked inside their head unable to make sense of what other people are saying to them and unable to express simple messages. Some have problems with spelling, reading single words or long sentences. Many people with aphasia have problems in finding the word that they want to say. Those with less severe difficulties can have problems in spelling, reading long sentences, or in finding the word that they want to say. The effects can therefore be very varied.   How does aphasia feel? “Other people putting words in for you...can make you cross’’ “To put ideas…thoughts…feelings in speech is so hard ..... frustrating.” “My mind is full of ideas. Words don’t come out right. Or quick enough…The same for writing.” “Peoples names go from my head, names are hard…” “This one…..awful. This one…..magic”                     These are the sort of everyday tasks that may be difficult or even impossible for people with Aphasia:     Reading a newspaper or magazine Sending or reading a greetings card or letter Chatting to friends Using the telephone Reading instructions and sell by dates on food labels Reading instructions on medicines Leaving a note for the milkman Watching television or listening to the radio Reading directions from road signs, in hospitals, or large shops Dealing with household bills Explaining to the doctor what is wrong.

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