Aphasia (also called dysphasia) is a condition that makes it difficult to communicate. It can make it hard to speak, read, write and understand others. It's often caused by a stroke or brain injury. How can you use technology to help with communication problems?
Hi Alex26.
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you’ve joined a couple of the forums in our online community I do hope you are finding them helpful and supportive.
At Macmillan Cancer Support we are separate from the NHS so have no access to their systems or anyone medical records so are unable to give any specific information.
From a general view there are ways that technology can be used to help someone with communication problems caused by Aphasia.
This can include assistive communication technologies such as devices that can provide voice for an individual through touch screens, text to speech and even eye-gaze technology.
There are also broader communication support technologies that can make accessing and communication with the healthcare team easier for those when speech is a challenge. These also come in the form of patient portals, mobile applications, and secure messaging.
Before exploring such technologies it’s important for the individual to have a full professional assessment with their medical team including the speech and language team (SALT) to ensure they are matched to the correct technology for their specific needs, preferences, and abilities.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Sherrye H,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm), send us an email or contact us through webchat.
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Dear Alex26
Thank you for getting back in touch with us, My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.
I hope you found the information from my colleague helpful.
It is good that you can use technology and that you are finding it useful. I understand that you would like to explore strategies and advise on how to best use this technology. Communication aids can be very helpful with speech and language difficulties after a brain injury.
At Macmillan Cancer Support we are separate from the NHS so have no access to their systems or anyone medical records so are unable to give any specific information.
The brain tumour charity has this information booklet, available free to access via their website. Headway has information on speech problems and the stroke association details information about Aphasia and communication that you might find helpful.
Before using such technology, it is recommended for the individual to get assessed by the medical team, including the speech and language therapist to ensure the right communication aids are used. They can also provide strategies and training on how to improve communication and how to use the technology with the best results.
We would recommend you get in touch with your medical team or your Clinical Nurse Specialist, if you have one, to talk this through with them. They can also refer you to the Speech and Language therapist if you don’t have one already.
Dealing with cancer can be an emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support. You can also check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your area.
I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.
Best wishes and take care
Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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