"Approximately 1 in 3 people who survive a stroke will experience some form of aphasia, a condition that impairs the ability to speak, understand, read, or write."
Health and Speech PLLC provides licensed speech-language pathology services in Suffolk County, Long Island specializing in post-stroke rehabilitation. Therapy focuses on evidence-based treatment for aphasia, dysarthria, acquired apraxia of speech, and cognitive-communication disorders to restore communication skills and support independence. Each program is customized to the patient’s needs and includes carryover exercises that are updated frequently to match progress, ensuring continued practice and helping maintain function outside of therapy. Care is delivered with the goal of enhancing communication, safety, and quality of life throughout recovery.
Stroke (CVA)
Common communication problems after a Stroke
Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder that can occur after a stroke, brain injury, or with certain neurological conditions, making it difficult to understand or express language. It can affect speaking, listening, reading, and writing in different ways. Common signs include trouble finding words, forming sentences, or understanding what others are saying. Some individuals may only be able to say a few words, while others speak fluently but with words that don’t make sense. Aphasia does not affect intelligence, but it can make communication frustrating.
Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that happens when the muscles used for speaking become weak, stiff, or difficult to control, often due to neurological conditions like stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson’s disease. This can cause slurred or mumbled speech, a monotone or nasal quality, and difficulty controlling pitch, volume, or breath while talking. Some individuals may sound very soft or have speech that is hard to understand, especially when tired. Dysarthria does not impact language or thinking skills but affects how clearly speech is produced.
Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Acquired apraxia of speech is a motor planning disorder that occurs when the brain has difficulty coordinating the precise movements needed for clear speech, often following a stroke or brain injury. Muscles are not weak, but the brain struggles to send the correct signals to produce sounds and words in the right order. Common signs include inconsistent speech errors, difficulty starting words, and groping movements of the mouth when trying to speak. Speech may sound halting or effortful, and longer words are often harder to say.
Cognitive Communication Disorder
Cognitive-communication disorder occurs when difficulties with thinking skills affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. Often caused by a stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions, it can impact attention, memory, organization, and problem-solving. Common signs include losing track of conversation topics, difficulty following directions, trouble planning what to say, or forgetting important details during communication. These challenges can make daily interactions and independence more difficult.