2 million people in the United States have aphasia

Aphasia on the Connecticut Shoreline: What It Is, Who It Affects, and How to Get Help

What Is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain. It can affect speaking, listening, reading, and writing, but it does not affect intelligence.

More than 2 million people in the United States live with aphasia due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or infection.

About Me: Living With Aphasia After a Stroke

My name is Laura Malis. I had a stroke in 2022 and received therapy at Gaylord. After that, I worked 30 hours a week for three years to rebuild my language, reading, and thinking skills.

Now I’m working on my writing, and I also volunteer as a National Aphasia Association (NAA) Ambassador.

Why Aphasia Awareness Matters

Most people have never heard of aphasia, so I’m committed to raising awareness through education and outreach. I hope to speak with a nurse or therapy and talk to schools, seniors, businesses, and civic organizations to help people understand:

• what aphasia is
• the challenges it brings,
• and how to communicate effectively with people who have it.

Why Aphasia Awareness Matters

Every aphasia journey is unique.

When possible, people need support from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

But many can’t get therapy because -—maybe:

• they don’t have insurance,
• they can’t drive to Gaylord,
• or simply can’t find services nearby.

So far, I haven’t found speech therapy options on the Shoreline.
(If I’m wrong, please tell me! You can reach me at lmalis.aphasiaathome@gmail.com.)

Aphasia Recovery at Home: Tools and Strategies

Whether someone receives therapy or not, there are ways to work on recovery at home.

On my website, Aphasia at Home, I’ve shared everything I used to rebuild my language and reading skills. Most of it is available for free or low-cost.

On my site, you’ll find:

Speech Language Pathology

• Gaylord Therapy Services

Home-Based Apps and Language Tools 

• Constant Therapy
• Lingraphica
• Tactus Therapy

Connecting With Others Through Online Aphasia Groups

I used Zoom to talk with people who have aphasia in the U.S. and around the world.

Online Book Clubs for Aphasia

I joined a Zoom Book Club at the University of Connecticut, which helped me rebuild reading skills in a supportive group.

Using Text-to-Speech Technology and Immersion Reading

Because of my aphasia, I can only read when I both see and hear the words at the same time. Now I can read Facebook, emails, and books.  I still can’t read mail delivered by USPS and PDF!

The Three Lifestyle Pillars for Brain Health

Recovery is not only about therapy.

I focus on:

• Social activities

• Physical activity (walking, movement)

• Mental activities (mindfulness, music, bird-watching)

These habits support the brain and help maintain progress.

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Aphasia Recovery Takes Hard Work and Hope

Rebuilding language is one of the hardest things a person can do. It takes:

• Daily practice

• Patience

• Determination

• Resilience

Watching TV won’t rebuild language pathways. Practice will. I’m not the same person I was before my stroke—but I’m still happy. Just different.

Learn More About Aphasia

If you want to understand aphasia better, or if you support someone who has it, here are two helpful resources:

National Aphasia Association (NAA)

A nonprofit that provides education, research, resources, and support for individuals with aphasia and their families.
Website: aphasia.org

Aphasia at Home

My own website outlining tools, activities, and strategies for working on aphasia at home—with or without therapy.
Website: APHASIAatHOME.com

Together, we can build understanding and support for people with aphasia—on the Shoreline and far beyond.