Breaking the Walls of Silence: Raising Awareness About Aphasia

What is Aphasia?

Imagine waking up one day unable to express your thoughts, read a text, or even understand a conversation. This is the reality for people living with aphasia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate due to brain injuries such as strokes. It doesn’t impact intelligence, but it creates barriers that can isolate individuals from the world around them.

Aphasia is considered an invisible disability—a condition that may not show physical signs but significantly impacts daily life. According to a recent Straits Times article, “Breaking the walls of silence for those who have lost the ability to communicate” (Feb 6, 2025), people with aphasia often face social stigma because they appear physically unaffected. This leads to misunderstandings and impatience from others, making their struggle even harder.

What Is an Invisible Disability?

Invisible disabilities, like aphasia, are conditions that aren’t immediately noticeable but can still significantly impact a person’s life. Some other examples include:

Chronic Pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis can make daily tasks excruciatingly difficult.
Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD often go unnoticed but affect how people interact with the world.
Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions can make academic and workplace tasks more challenging.
Hearing Loss: Many individuals with partial hearing loss face communication difficulties without others realizing it.
Chronic Illnesses: Diseases like diabetes, lupus, and Crohn’s disease may not have visible symptoms but require constant management.

Educating ourselves about these invisible disabilities fosters empathy and helps create a more inclusive community.

What Can We Do to Help Aphasia Patients?

For aphasia patients, small changes in how we interact can make a big difference:

Practice Patience: Give them time to communicate. Avoid finishing their sentences or speaking for them.
Simplify Communication: Use clear, simple words, gestures, or visual aids to help them understand.
Recognize Their Struggle: Understand that even if they look fine, they are facing significant challenges.
Create Inclusive Spaces: Advocate for workplaces, schools, and community spaces to accommodate communication-friendly environments.
Spread Awareness: Share what you learn about aphasia and invisible disabilities with others to reduce stigma.

Learn More and Get Support

For those who want to learn more about aphasia or support someone affected by it, here are some resources in Singapore:

Ms Evelyn Khoo, a speech therapist and aphasia advocate (back row, fourth from left) with volunteers and Aphasia Sg members at a Chit Chat Cafe event in December 2024 PHOTO: COURTESY OF EVELYN KHOO

Aphasia SG: This support group provides therapy, workshops, and events to help aphasia patients regain confidence.
Stroke Support Station (S3): S3 offers programs to assist stroke survivors, including those with aphasia, in their recovery journey.
Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA): A resource hub for stroke survivors and their families, including programs for communication support.
Speech Therapy Services: Available at hospitals like Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National University Hospital (NUH), speech therapy helps patients rebuild communication skills.

How can we help?

The article reminds us that communication is a human right. We all have a role in breaking the walls of silence for those living with aphasia and other invisible disabilities. Let’s advocate for better support systems, educate ourselves and others, and create more inclusive spaces for everyone.

Together, we can ensure that no one feels silenced, misunderstood, or left behind.