Aphasia Group
Communication, Connection, and Community After Aphasia
Aphasia can change the way a person speaks, understands, reads, writes, and participates in conversations—but it does not change who that person is.
The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center offers an Aphasia Group for adults living with aphasia. The group provides opportunities to practice communication in meaningful, real-life activities while connecting with other people who understand the challenges of living with aphasia.
Our goal is not only to improve communication skills, but also to support confidence, independence, social connection, and participation in everyday life.
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder caused by damage to areas of the brain responsible for language.
The most common cause of aphasia is stroke, although aphasia may also occur following traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, neurological disease, or other conditions affecting the brain.
Aphasia may affect a person’s ability to:
- Find the words they want to say
- Speak in sentences
- Understand conversations
- Read
- Write
- Use numbers
- Participate in fast-paced or complex conversations
Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. A person with aphasia may know exactly what they want to communicate but have difficulty accessing or expressing the words.
Who Can Benefit from the Aphasia Group?
The Aphasia Group is designed for adults who have experienced aphasia and would benefit from practicing communication in a supportive group environment.
Group participation may be helpful for individuals who:
- Have aphasia following a stroke or other neurological event
- Want more opportunities to practice conversation
- Have difficulty participating in social situations because of communication changes
- Want to improve confidence when communicating
- Would benefit from learning or practicing communication strategies
- Want opportunities to connect with other adults living with aphasia
- Have completed individual therapy but want continued opportunities to communicate
- Are participating in individual speech-language therapy and could benefit from additional group practice
Individuals may have different levels and types of aphasia. Activities and communication supports are adapted so that members can participate as successfully and independently as possible.
Why Group Therapy?
Communication happens with other people.
While individual speech-language therapy can address specific language skills, a group provides opportunities to use those skills during more natural conversations and activities.
Group members may practice:
- Participating in conversations
- Starting and maintaining discussions
- Finding alternative ways to communicate when a word is difficult
- Using gestures, writing, drawing, pictures, or technology to support communication
- Asking and answering questions
- Telling stories
- Expressing opinions
- Discussing current events and personal interests
- Communicating in everyday situations
- Advocating for communication needs
The group environment also allows members to learn strategies from one another and recognize that they are not alone in their communication experiences.
Personally Meaningful Communication
Aphasia therapy should focus on more than naming pictures or completing language exercises.
Our Aphasia Group emphasizes personally relevant communication goals and activities that support participation in everyday life.
Depending on the interests and goals of group members, activities may include:
- Talking about family, hobbies, travel, sports, or current events
- Practicing conversations for restaurants, stores, appointments, or community activities
- Planning group projects or events
- Playing language and communication-based games
- Reading and discussing articles or stories
- Using technology to support communication
- Practicing communication strategies for difficult situations
- Sharing personal experiences and accomplishments
Activities vary based on the needs and interests of the individuals participating in the group.
Building Confidence and Social Connection
Aphasia can sometimes lead to frustration, isolation, or withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyable.
The Aphasia Group provides a space where communication differences are understood and supported.
Members have opportunities to:
- Communicate without feeling rushed
- Meet other people who have experienced aphasia
- Share challenges and successes
- Build friendships
- Increase confidence in conversation
- Practice communicating in a supportive environment
- Reconnect with activities and roles that are important to them
For many participants, the relationships developed through the group become an important part of recovery and long-term quality of life.
Communication Strategies
Successful communication does not always require spoken words alone.
Group members may practice using multiple communication strategies, including:
- Spoken words
- Gestures
- Writing
- Drawing
- Pictures
- Communication boards
- Smartphones or tablets
- Augmentative and alternative communication tools
- Yes/no questions
- Key words or written choices
The goal is to help each person use the communication methods that allow them to participate as fully and independently as possible.
When Does the Aphasia Group Meet?
The Aphasia Group is offered during the fall and spring semesters at the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center on Marshall University’s Huntington campus.
Group schedules may change from semester to semester based on clinic scheduling and participant needs.
Please contact the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center for the current group schedule, availability, and enrollment information.
Individuals may be able to join an existing group during the semester when space is available.
Can I Participate in Both Individual and Group Therapy?
Yes.
Some individuals participate in both individual speech-language therapy and the Aphasia Group.
Individual therapy may focus on specific communication goals, while the group provides opportunities to apply those skills in conversations and functional activities with other people.
Our clinicians can help determine whether individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both would best support your communication goals.
Insurance and Payment
The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center bills insurance for speech-language services when applicable.
Insurance coverage and individual out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider regarding coverage for speech-language therapy and group services.
Our clinic staff can also provide information about billing and payment options.
Join the Aphasia Group
Living with aphasia can change communication, but it does not have to mean giving up conversations, friendships, or meaningful participation in everyday life.
Contact the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center at 304-696-3641 to learn more about the Aphasia Group, current meeting times, availability, insurance billing, or adult speech and language services.
