Communication Partner Quick Reference Card

Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. The person understands more than they can express. Give them time. Silence during a conversation is not failure — it is processing.

• +Turn off background noise before important conversations
• +Face the person and make sure they can see your face
• +Speak at a relaxed pace — not slow, just unhurried
• +Use shorter sentences: one idea per sentence
• +Ask yes or no questions to confirm understanding ("Should we leave at noon?")
• +Write down key words or draw simple sketches during conversation
• +Point at objects or pictures to clarify meaning
• +Wait at least 10 seconds after asking a question before responding
• +Accept gesture, writing, or pointing as a complete answer
• +Confirm understanding with a follow-up yes/no question

• +Do not raise your voice — aphasia is not a hearing problem
• +Do not use very slow or simplified speech (baby talk)
• +Do not finish sentences unless explicitly asked to help
• +Do not pretend to understand when you have not — miscommunication compounds
• +Do not exclude the person from decisions about their own care
• +Do not correct errors mid-sentence unless you are in a formal practice session
• +Do not rush or show impatience during word-finding pauses

Only offer cues if the person signals they want help. If they appear stuck and frustrated, try these in order:

• +1. Describe what the word means: "It's something in the kitchen..."
• +2. Give the first sound: "It starts with a 'sp' sound..."
• +3. Ask if they can write it or point to it
• +4. Offer two choices: "Is it the spoon or the fork?"
• +5. As a last resort: say the word and ask them to repeat it

• +Keep a pen and notepad in main living areas at all times
• +Have a printed communication board (pictures of common needs: food, water, pain, phone, bathroom)
• +Key phrases to learn in case of a medical situation: point at yourself for "me", thumbs up/down for yes/no
• +In an emergency: call 911 and say "I have a communication disorder called aphasia — I understand you but may have difficulty speaking"

If your family member is completing speech exercises at home, you can serve as a practice partner. Ask your SLP to train you in the specific protocol and cueing level being used. Your role is to ask the question, wait, and record the response — not to correct or teach.