Aphasia is a disorder that affects how your child understands and uses language. It can affect how your child speaks, understands language, reads, and writes.
Aphasia happens when parts of the brain that control or support language are damaged. In children with serious illnesses such as cancer or blood disorders, aphasia may happen as a side effect of the condition or treatment. Some causes of aphasia may include brain tumors, stroke, infection, or surgery.
Each child’s symptoms may be different. Some children may have trouble finding the right word when speaking. Others may have challenges with understanding or expressing language.
With therapy and support, many children improve over time. Working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) early on can help your child improve their language and communication skills.
How aphasia can affect communication
Aphasia can affect one or more areas of communication, including:
- Speaking (expressive language): Forming sentences, using correct words, or expressing thoughts
- Understanding (receptive language): Understanding what others say
- Reading: Understanding written words or sentences
- Writing: Spelling, writing words, or expressing ideas in writing
- Social communication: Participating in conversations, taking turns when talking, and interacting with others
Your child may have challenges in one or several of these areas.
There are several types of aphasia. The type of aphasia often depends on the brain area that is affected. General types or patterns of aphasia include:
- Expressive aphasia: Your child may understand language but have trouble speaking or forming sentences
- Receptive aphasia: Your child may have trouble understanding spoken or written language
- Global aphasia: Your child may have difficulty with both speaking and understanding language
Your care team can explain your child’s specific language challenges.
Signs of aphasia in children
Symptoms may vary from child to child. Your child may:
Have trouble speaking
- Use short or incomplete sentences
- Say the wrong word, a related word, or a similar-sounding word
- Have trouble finding the right word
Have trouble understanding language
- Have trouble following directions
- Need instructions repeated
- Seem confused during conversations
Have trouble reading or writing
- Have difficulty spelling
- Struggle to understand written information
- Have problems expressing ideas in writing
Have trouble communicating with others
- Take longer to respond
- Have difficulty answering questions
- Get frustrated when trying to communicate
Causes of aphasia in children
Aphasia is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control language. This may be related to:
- Brain tumors
- Stroke or bleeding in the brain
- Brain surgery
- Inflammation that affects the brain
- Side effects of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other treatment
Other causes or risk factors for aphasia may include:
- Infection that affects the brain
- Head injury
- Seizures
- Certain genetic or neurologic conditions
- Migraines
Not all children with these conditions develop aphasia. Your care team can help explain your child’s specific risk.
Diagnosis of aphasia in children
A health care provider will review your child’s medical history and do a physical exam. Tests may include:
These tests help identify how aphasia is affecting your child.
Treatment focuses on improving communication and helping your child use language in everyday life.
A speech-language pathologist may work with your child to improve:
- Speaking
- Understanding
- Reading
- Writing
Your child may also learn other ways to communicate, such as:
- Gestures
- Writing or drawing
- Communication boards
- Technology-based tools
Treatment for aphasia also focuses on helping families, caregivers, and teachers support communication.
How to help your child with aphasia
You can support your child’s communication at home:
- Use simple words and short sentences
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Give one instruction at a time
- Use gestures, pictures, or demonstrations
- Give your child extra time to respond
- Ask “yes or no” questions if needed
Encourage all forms of communication, including pointing, drawing, and writing
Trouble finding words (word-finding problems)
Some children with aphasia have trouble finding the right word when speaking. This is called a word-finding problem.
Your child may:
- Pause often or say “um” while thinking
- Use general words like “thing” or “stuff”
- Describe what they mean instead of naming it
- Say a word that sounds similar or is related
Word-finding problems are one possible symptom of aphasia. Not every child with aphasia has word-finding challenges, and some children have word-finding problems without having aphasia. A speech language pathologist can help your child learn strategies to improve communication and manage specific challenges.
Learn more about word-finding problems.
Ways to support your child
Aphasia can be frustrating for children and families.
To support your child:
- Use simple words and sentences.
- Speak slowly and give one thought at a time.
- Be patient. Give your child time to think and respond.
- Reduce noise and distractions.
- Encourage and praise your child’s efforts. Don’t focus on mistakes.
- Include your child in conversations and keep your child involved in daily activities.
- Help family members, friends, and teachers understand how your child communicates.
School and daily life support
Your child may need extra support at school. Your care team can help set up:
Depending on your child’s needs, your care team may recommend other rehabilitation services, such as hearing care, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.
When to call your care team
Call your care team if your child has:
- Symptoms that change or get worse, including a sudden change in the ability to understand or use language
- Ongoing feelings of sadness, stress, or worry
- Sudden, severe headache
- Signs of a seizure
Questions to ask your care team
