Helping Kids Understand Aphasia and Communication Changes
Genevieve Richardson 
When a loved one has aphasia, kids need help understanding. Learn how to explain speech and language changes in a way that makes sense to them.
Understanding Aphasia Through a Child’s Eyes
When a loved one experiences a stroke or brain injury that leads to aphasia, the entire family is affected—including children. Unlike adults, kids don’t have the same cognitive frameworks for understanding complex medical conditions. They live in a world of concrete thinking, where words match actions and communication is immediate. When a parent, grandparent, or family member suddenly struggles to speak, it can be confusing, scary, and frustrating.
As a parent or caregiver, your role is to bridge this gap. But how do you explain something as abstract as aphasia to a child? How do you help them understand that their loved one is still the same person, even if they can’t speak the way they used to?
Why Kids Struggle to Understand Aphasia and Abstract Communication Concepts
Children’s understanding of communication is different from adults. Unlike adults, who can grasp abstract concepts, children rely on direct and tangible experiences. For example, they often associate words with immediate actions—when they ask a question, they expect an answer right away. When a loved one has aphasia, and words don’t come easily, it disrupts this expected flow of communication, making it harder for them to understand what’s happening. They rely heavily on patterns and predictability—spoken words, facial expressions, and tone of voice all working together to create meaning. Aphasia disrupts these familiar patterns, making it difficult for kids to process what’s happening.
Some common challenges children face when trying to understand aphasia include:
Confusion: They may not understand why their loved one isn’t responding the way they used to.
Frustration: Kids often assume people who can’t speak won’t speak, leading to misunderstandings.
Fear: A child may feel nervous about interacting with their loved one, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Grief: Even young children experience loss when someone’s communication changes, though they may not be able to express it in words.
Helping Kids Process Aphasia in a Supportive Way
By breaking down aphasia into concrete, relatable terms, you can help kids feel more comfortable and engaged in their loved one’s recovery.
Making the Abstract Concrete: How to Explain Aphasia to Kids
Children learn best when new ideas are linked to something they already understand. Here are some simple ways to frame aphasia in terms that resonate with kids:
1. Use a Broken Toy Analogy
"Imagine your favorite toy stopped working. The buttons don’t do what they used to, and it takes longer to figure out how to make it work. It’s still the same toy, but now it needs a little extra help."
This analogy helps kids understand that a person with aphasia is still the same, even if their speech is different.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Write down a simple sentence on a piece of paper. Then, scribble over the words so that only part of them are visible.
Ask the child, "Can you still figure out what it says?" Explain that aphasia is like that scribbled paper—the words are still in their loved one’s brain, but sometimes they can’t get them out clearly.
3. Use Everyday Comparisons
"Imagine pulling out all the drawers of a dresser, and all the clothes spill out. The words are still there in the brain, but they’re jumbled up, and it’s hard to find the right one."
"If your loved one calls you by the wrong name, like a sibling’s or a cousin’s, it’s not about you—it’s about the way words are mixed up in their brain. They know who you are, but sometimes the wrong word comes out."
"Sometimes they might say 'he' when they mean 'she'—it’s not a reflection of what they think; it’s just that these ideas are hard to sort through in their brain."
Kids can help by repeating back what they heard to give their loved one a chance to confirm or correct it. "You know how sometimes you forget a word, but you know it’s in your head? That happens to Grandma, but a lot more often."
"It’s like when you get stuck on a tricky puzzle. You know what you want to do, but you need a little help."
These everyday comparisons help children relate aphasia to their own experiences. For example, you can compare it to learning a new game—at first, it feels unfamiliar, but with practice and support, it becomes easier to understand.
Explaining Word Mix-Ups to Kids
Children need to know that what’s in their loved one’s brain is all jumbled up, like dumping out a dresser drawer full of clothes. The words are still there, but it’s hard to find the right one.
"If Grandma calls you by the wrong name, like your sibling’s or cousin’s, it’s not because she forgot who you are. Her brain just grabbed the wrong word!"
"Sometimes she might say ‘he’ when she means ‘she’—this isn’t about how she sees you, but how her brain sorts words."
Kids can help by gently repeating back what they heard—this helps their loved one confirm or correct what they meant to say. For example, you can compare it to learning a new game—at first, it feels unfamiliar, but with practice and support, it becomes easier to understand.
Encouraging Kids to Communicate with a Loved One Who Has Aphasia
Once a child understands why their loved one’s speech has changed, the next step is helping them feel confident in how to communicate.
1. Emphasize That Communication is More Than Words
"You can still talk to Grandpa by using pictures, gestures, and even hugs!" Let children know that communication is not just about speaking—pointing, drawing, and facial expressions all help.
"Sometimes the words that are said by a loved one with aphasia don’t count—what matters is listening with your heart. Hear what is ‘said’ without it being said."
"You can still talk to Grandpa by using pictures, gestures, and even hugs!" Let children know that communication is not just about speaking—pointing, drawing, and facial expressions all help.
2. Make It a Game
Play simple activities that encourage nonverbal communication, like charades or using a picture board. This can help kids feel comfortable and make interactions more fun.
3. Be Patient & Positive
Let kids know that mistakes are okay! The most important thing is showing love and being present. Praise their efforts in engaging with their loved one.
When to Seek Additional Support
Sometimes, kids may struggle with the emotional impact of aphasia, experiencing frustration, sadness, confusion, or even withdrawal as they try to make sense of the changes. It’s important to open the door for conversation but only provide children with the information they are seeking. Start the conversation when they are relaxed, and sit next to them rather than in front of them, as this can feel less intimidating. Once you start the conversation, leave books about aphasia—such as Listen with Your Heart by Lisa Samson—somewhere visible so they can explore them without pressure or judgment. This beautifully illustrated book helps families navigate aphasia together in a way that feels accessible and comforting. You can find Listen with Your Heart on Amazon.
If children become withdrawn, frustrated, or show signs of anxiety, it may be helpful to:
- Encourage open conversations about their feelings.
- Read books designed for kids about aphasia, like *Listen with Your Heart* by Lisa Samson.
- Seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist or family counselor.
Final Thoughts: Helping Kids Feel Confident & Connected
By breaking down abstract concepts into simple, relatable terms, children can better understand and interact with loved ones who have aphasia. Through patience, creativity, and support, kids can learn that communication is about more than just words—it’s about connection.
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This article is brought to you by LIFE Aphasia Academy®, your go-to resource for expert-led education on aphasia, communication strategies, and connection.
