Stroke

​Communication Changes in Strokes

A stroke can affect communication in different

ways, depending on the area of the brain

impacted. Our team provides personalised

therapy to support recovery and help each

person communicate to their fullest potential.

Common difficulties include:

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Aphasia (a language difficulty)

• Trouble finding words or forming sentences (expressive aphasia)

• Difficulty understanding spoken or written language (receptive aphasia)

• Many people experience both

Dysarthria (speech muscle weakness)

• Slurred or unclear speech due to reduced control and strength of speech muscles

Apraxia of Speech (speech motor planning difficulty):

• Difficulty coordinating the mouth movements for clear speech

• Speech may be slow, effortful, or inconsistent

Cognitive Communication Difficulties (often seen with right-brain strokes). Challenges may include:

• Turn-taking and staying on topic

• Understanding humour, tone of voice, or facial expressions

• Attention and memory during conversations

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Swallowing  Changes in Strokes

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are common after stroke and can affect safety, nutrition, and quality of life. Signs of dysphagia may include:

• Coughing or choking when eating or drinking

• Risk of aspiration (food or drink entering the airway)

• Feeling of food stuck in the throat

• Unexplained weight loss or chest infections

Our therapists can assess the swallow function and work closely with medical teams to ensure safe, enjoyable eating and drinking.

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How We Can Help

We offer tailored, evidence-based therapy to support each person’s recovery and goals. We will provide:

• Comprehensive communication and swallowing assessments

• Personalised therapy plans focused on individual needs

• One-to-one sessions targeting specific skills

• Strategies to build confidence and support everyday communication

• Support using therapy Apps to continue with practice at home

• Education and support for families and carers

 

Our Approach

Our focus is always on promoting independence, participation, and quality of life. We will combine therapy to improve their deficit, while looking at strategies to maximise the clients ability to communicate with their existing difficulties.  

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Support for Families and Carers

We also support those around the person who has had a stroke by:

• Explaining the speech and swallowing difficulties

• Demonstrating ways they can support their communication difficulties, often by changing the way they interact with them (click here to see communication partner training information)

• Involving them in the therapy plans

• Offering a space for questions and ongoing support. 

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For more information on communication and swallowing difficulties following a stroke please find a link the Stroke Association here.

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