Reading with Aphasia: Strategies to Support Comprehension and Confidence
For many people living with aphasia, reading comprehension becomes a daily source of frustration. Aphasia doesn’t just affect speaking—it can make it hard to understand written language, too. This might mean struggling to follow a sentence, mix up similar-looking words, or forget the beginning of a paragraph by the time they get to the end. Understandably, this can lead to a loss of confidence and avoidance of reading altogether, even when it used to be a beloved activity. Reading functional signs, menus, and labels can also be affected. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I’ve worked with many clients who say, “I used to love reading. Now I can’t.” But there are ways to support this skill—with the right tools and plenty of patience.
Tip #1: Start Small—One Sentence at a Time
The first step is to scale down the reading load. Instead of reading full pages, start with a single sentence. Use materials that match the person's current reading level—this might mean modifying books or using simple daily texts like a recipe step or text message. After reading a sentence like, “The train stopped at the station,” ask a simple question like, “Where did the train stop?” This reinforces meaning and gives immediate feedback. Short texts remove the pressure and allow space for success and repetition.
Tip #2: Use Visuals, Highlights, and Read-Alouds
Reading becomes more accessible when supported visually. Highlight or underline key words in a sentence (e.g., Richard and library in “Richard went to the library.”), and pair them with visuals. This could be as simple as showing a picture of a book or place. Additionally, try read-aloud techniques—either reading together or using a text-to-speech app. When someone hears and sees the words simultaneously, it reinforces recognition and meaning. Follow up with a brief conversation about what they heard to support comprehension in multiple modalities. Using a piece of coloured cardstock or a bookmark to block the rest of the page so that the they can focus on the word or sentence is also a great, easy tool I love to use with clients.
Tip #3: Redefine Reading with Audiobooks and Assistive Tech
Reading doesn’t have to mean silent reading with a paperback. People with aphasia can still enjoy books and stories using audiobooks, which take the pressure off decoding text. Pair audiobooks with printed materials so they can follow along visually, or use apps like Speechify that highlight each word as it's read aloud. Tools like speech-generating devices, symbol-supported reading software, and captioned videos also offer alternative ways to access information and build language comprehension without relying only on written words.
Tip #4: Keep It Functional and Fun
Choose reading materials that are useful and interesting to the person—menus, event flyers, family notes, or articles about their favorite hobby. Break content into manageable parts and go through it slowly together. Encourage rereading, summarizing in their own words (or gestures), and celebrating small wins. Even if full comprehension doesn’t happen, focus on connection and engagement. For example, reading a recipe together can turn into a fun, purposeful task that reinforces both comprehension and confidence.
Reading may not look the same after aphasia—but it’s still possible, meaningful, and even enjoyable. With the right tools, including visuals, audiobooks, and assistive tech, people with aphasia can continue to engage with the written world. A speech-language pathologist can help tailor these strategies to meet each person’s strengths and needs. The key is to redefine success, focus on connection, and keep reading accessible in whatever form works best.
