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Aphasia can be defined as “an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write,” (National Aphasia Association, 2018). Aphasia can impair a single function such as being able to read, forming sentences, or finding the right words. Many times, Aphasia affects multiple functions at the same time (National Aphasia Association, 2018). There are many types of Aphasia but can be categorized as fluent or nonfluent aphasia. A common type of fluent aphasia is Wernicke’s aphasia, where an individual may speech full sentences, however the sentences make no sense. A common type of nonfluent aphasia is Broca’s aphasia, where the individual understands the content but is unable to produce speech and mumbles (NIDCD, 2015).

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When it manifests?

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              Aphasia manifests with different symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected. Most individuals with any aphasia will show signs with difficulties: producing language, using the right words, word replacement, switching word sounds, making up words, mixing up real words with fake words, not understanding others, and not understanding jokes. Along with difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, and mathematical concepts. (Wangchuck Tshering Pema, 2015).

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How it happens?

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              Aphasia occurs when there is damage to the left side of the brain, affecting the regions that produce and understand language also known as Broca and Wernickes. The most common cause is from a stroke, but other causes can include “severe blows to the head, brain tumors, gunshot wounds, brain infections, and progressive neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease” (NIDCD, 2015). Diagnosis includes a MRI or CT scan on the brain to confirm the area of injury, along with evaluation by a doctor and speech pathologist. (NIDCD, 2015).

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How common is it with school children?

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              Aphasia is most common with adults who are middle-ages or older, but can occur at an age, even with children. “About 1 million people in the United States currently have aphasia, and nearly 180,000 Americans acquire it each year, according to the National Aphasia Association” (NIDCD, 2015).