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Other peoples' reactions to aphasia
If you have difficulty talking, other people usually try and help. Sometimes this works fine.
But you may find that other people:
- talk over your head
- talk to you as if you're a child
- talk about you as if you weren't there
- talk for you
- try to 'teach' you how to speak and make you repeat things.
Although they mean well, this can be infuriating.
Often, they don't know how to react and think they're doing the best thing. It can be difficult to let them know how you feel.
Other people can help by:
- treating you with respect and in an adult way
- involving you in conversations and decisions
- giving you time
- supporting rather than teaching
- concentrating on what works, not on what doesn't work
- acknowledging that you know what you want to say
- never talking about you as if you weren't there.
Connect - the communication disability network
- Runs 'Connect for a day' events called 'Longterm caring and coping' and 'Having a parent with aphasia'
(020) 7367 0840
16-18 Marshalsea Road
London
SE1 1HL
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