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Let’s Talk About Aphasia: When the Brain Plays Hide-and-Seek with Words 🙈💬

  • Writer: Vicki Chia Hui Lin, M.S., CCC-SLP
    Vicki Chia Hui Lin, M.S., CCC-SLP
  • May 16
  • 3 min read

Ever had that frustrating "it’s on the tip of my tongue" feeling? You know exactly what you want to say, but the word is just... hovering out of reach. Now, imagine that feeling, but magnified by a hundred, and happening all day long.

That is a glimpse into the world of aphasia.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I get to work with some of the most resilient, witty, and creative people you’ll ever meet; people who are navigating life with aphasia. But because it’s an invisible condition, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Let’s break it down!


What actually is it?

Aphasia is a language disorder, usually caused by a stroke or brain injury. Here is the absolute most important thing to know: Aphasia affects expression and comprehension, NOT intelligence.

The brilliant, funny, complex person is completely intact inside. The "bridge" between their thoughts and their words is just undergoing some major roadwork.


It’s not just about talking 📝

When people hear "speech therapy," they think of the spoken word. But language is a multi-lane highway. Aphasia can show up in a few different ways:

  • Verbal Language: Struggling to find the right words, saying "car" when you mean "cat," or having trouble understanding what others are saying.

  • Written Language: Yep, aphasia affects reading and writing, too. Texting a friend, reading a menu, or signing a check can suddenly feel like trying to decipher a foreign language.


How can you be an awesome communication partner?

If you meet someone with aphasia, you don’t need to shout, and you definitely don’t need to talk to them like a child. Instead, try these SLP-approved tips:

  1. Give it time. Patience is the ultimate superpower. Slow down and give them extra time to process and respond.

  2. Simplify the input. Use shorter sentences as needed. Ask "yes or no" questions instead of open-ended ones (e.g., "Do you want coffee?" instead of "What do you want to drink?").

  3. Embrace total communication. Gestures, drawing, pointing to pictures, or using writing tablets are not "cheating." They are fantastic tools to keep the conversation flowing.

The bottom line: Connection is about heart, intent, and shared moments—not just perfect sentences.

To my friends and families navigating aphasia: I see your hard work, your grit, and your humor through the frustration. You’ve got this, and we’re in your corner! 🤝❤️


Free resources:

Have Questions?I’m here to help—whether you’re a family member, care-provider, or a speech language therapist. Drop a comment, send a message, or give us a call!


Learn more about speech-language-voice-cognitive-swallow therapy or what we do as speech language pathologists, and our in home and virtual private speech therapy settings:

call/text us at 818.823.8022 or email us at hello@thechatroomtherapy.com.


We provide virtual speech therapy visits/telehealth visits in California, and in home services in Montrose, La Crescenta, La Canada, and Pasadena, CA areas.


We also provide speech therapy in Mandarin Chinese. 中文/國語語言治療



Vicki Chia Hui Lin, M.S., CCC-SLP

Founder, The Chat Room Therapy


Vicki is a California licensed and American Speech Language and Hearing Association certified speech language pathologist. She is a highly accomplished and award-winning Speech-Language Pathologist and an educator with extensive experience with both adults and children, with particular specialties in gender affirming voice therapy, adult voice disorders, post stroke or head and neck cancer related voice, communication, cognitive, and swallow difficulties.  Vicki has received various accolades, and is recognized for her excellence in patient care, life participation therapy approaches, education, and leadership in the field.



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