What is Dysphasia/Aphasia? – Symptoms and Diagnosis part 2

 

• (Student & Parent-Friendly Guide)

  Dysphasia (also called aphasia, especially in adults) is a language disorder that affects how a person understands and uses spoken or written language. It can happen after a brain injury or sometimes be present from a young age as a developmental language disorder. People with dysphasia may have trouble finding the right words, understanding what others say, or forming clear sentences.

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  Key Signs and Symptoms

  Someone with dysphasia or aphasia may:

  ·                     Struggle to understand spoken instructions or conversations

  ·                     Have trouble finding the right words (known as “word-finding difficulty”)

  ·                     Use short or incomplete sentences when speaking

  ·                     Mix up the order of words or leave out important words

  ·                     Struggle with reading comprehension

  ·                     Have difficulty writing clearly

  ·                     Become frustrated when trying to communicate

  These symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the language difficulty.

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  How Dysphasia/Aphasia is Diagnosed

  Diagnosis usually involves:

  ·                     Speech and language assessments by a speech and language therapist (SLT)

  ·                     Observation and communication tests to see how well a person understands and uses language

  ·                     Medical evaluation, especially if symptoms follow a brain injury, stroke, or illness

  For children, it's important to rule out hearing problems or general developmental delays.

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  Support and Strategies

  Support for dysphasia or aphasia often includes:

  ·                     Speech and language therapy to improve communication skills

  ·                     Visual aids like pictures or gestures to support understanding

  ·                     Simplified language and repetition from adults and teachers

  ·                     Reading and writing support using tailored tools and programs

  ·                     Assistive communication devices, such as picture boards or speech-generating apps

  ·                     Classroom adjustments like extra time or alternative ways to show learning

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  Reassurance for Students and Families

  Dysphasia can be frustrating, but with consistent support, children and young people can learn new ways to communicate and express themselves. Many students with language difficulties go on to succeed in school and build strong social connections.

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• Understanding Ap

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What Is Aphasia / Dysphasia?

Aphasia (sometimes called Dysphasia) is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain. It makes it difficult to speak, understand speech, read, or write.

• It often happens after a stroke, head injury, or brain illness.
• It does not affect intelligence, just how someone communicates.
• People with aphasia may struggle to find the right words or may say things that don’t make sense.
• Dysphasia is an older term for aphasia, still used in some places.

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🔍 Key Differences Between Similar Terms

Term	What it Means
Aphasia	Difficulty with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing due to brain damage
Dysphasia	Another word for aphasia (less common today)
Dysplasia	A completely different term – it means abnormal cell growth, not a language issue

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🤔 Aphasia vs Learning Disabilities (like Dyspraxia)

Feature	Aphasia / Dysphasia	Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyspraxia)
Cause	Brain injury (e.g., stroke, accident)	The brain develops differently from birth
When it starts	Usually in adulthood	Usually noticed in early childhood
Main challenge	Language: speaking, understanding, reading	Movement, coordination, and sometimes speech
Treatment	Speech and language therapy	Therapy, support plans, and occupational therapy
Can it improve?	Often improves with therapy	Lifelong condition, manageable with support

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📋 Common Symptoms of Aphasia

• Can’t find the right words
• Says words incorrectly or uses made-up words
• Trouble understanding what others say
• Problems reading or writing
• Speaks in short or incomplete sentences

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✅ What Can Help?

• Speech and Language Therapy – helps improve communication
• Visual tools – like pictures, signs, or apps to support speech
• Patience and encouragement – from teachers, family, and friends
• Repetition and routines – to help with memory and confidence

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🧾 Quick Summary Table

Term	Meaning	Cause	Affects	Treated With
Aphasia	Trouble with language	Stroke or brain injury	Speaking, listening, reading, and writing	Speech therapy
Dysphasia	Same as aphasia	Stroke or brain injury	Same as above	Speech therapy
Dysplasia	Cell/tissue growth issue	Medical condition	Not related to language	Medical treatment

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