STROKE
what is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. Because the brain controls how we think, speak, understand, and swallow, a stroke can change the way a person communicates and manages everyday activities. Every stroke is different, so each person’s challenges, and strengths, will be unique.
How a Stroke Can Affect Communication, Thinking, and Swallowing
After a stroke, some people may experience difficulties in one or more of the following areas:
Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Trouble chewing or swallowing food and liquids
Coughing or choking during meals
Feeling like food is “stuck” in the throat
Speech
Slurred or unclear speech (dysarthria)
Uncoordinated speech (apraxia)
Changes in voice quality or loudness (dysphonia)
Language (Aphasia)
Difficulty finding the right words to share thoughts and ideas
Trouble understanding spoken or written language
Challenges with reading comprehension and writing
Cognition (Thinking Skills)
Problems with attention and concentration
Difficulty remembering recent events or information
Reduced awareness into deficits
Trouble planning, problem-solving, or following steps to complete tasks
These changes can make everyday activities—like having conversations, eating safely, managing appointments, or returning to work—more difficult. They can also be frustrating for both individuals and their families.
How Speech-Language Therapy Can Help
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in helping people rebuild and strengthen communication, thinking, and swallowing skills after a stroke. At Aubin Aphasia Speech & Language Center, therapy is personalized, functional, and focused on what matters most to you.
We can help by:
Improving speech clarity and intelligibility
Supporting recovery of language skills for talking, understanding, reading, and writing
Teaching strategies to help with word-finding and communication breakdowns
Addressing swallowing difficulties to improve safety and comfort during meals
Strengthening memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving skills
Providing tools and strategies to support daily communication at home, work, and in the community
Educating and training family members and caregivers to support communication success
Our goal is to help individuals regain confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in daily life after a stroke.