Cerebrovascular accident, otherwise known as stroke, is an injury to the brain.
The brain controls everything we do, including what we are able to say and
understand. If there is damage to the part of the brain responsible for language,
the ability to comprehend or produce language can be impacted. According to the
Stroke Association, “about a third of stroke survivors have some difficulty with
speaking or understanding what others say”.
The most common language disorder caused by stroke is aphasia. While the range
of symptoms varies greatly, many people with aphasia experience difficulty
finding the right word, speaking in sentences, understanding what others are
saying, reading forms or books, and spelling. Here at Frederick SLP, we teach
strategies to improve communication for these individuals. We encourage the use
of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including speech,
gestures, writing, pointing, or a device. We help people who have experienced a
stroke utilize their strengths and compensate for weaknesses so that they can
successfully participate and communicate in daily life.