Relearning to Connect: Using Texting as Functional Therapy for Aphasia
- Anne Shaknis Quirk
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Recently, I worked with a client who has fluent aphasia—a language disorder that affects how people understand and express words, often following a stroke or brain injury. My client was motivated to return to work, where texting was a key part of his communication.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional paper-and-pencil writing tasks, we incorporated his cell phone directly into therapy. This kind of therapy may sound modern, but it’s also deeply functional—and it’s supported by research.
Why Texting Matters in Aphasia Therapy
Texting is everywhere. In the U.S., 97% of adults own a cellphone, and 85% own a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2021). Texting is now one of the most common ways people stay in touch- personally and professionally.
For people with aphasia, texting can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Aphasia affects reading and writing abilities, which can make composing texts difficult. Yet texting also offers unique advantages:
⏱ More time to process and respond compared to face-to-face speech.
💾 A written record that can be reviewed or referenced later.
🔠 Built-in supports like predictive text, autocorrect, and emojis.
🌐 A familiar, socially meaningful activity that connects people with family, friends, and colleagues.
What the Research Says
In their study, Transactional Success in the Texting of Individuals With Aphasia, researchers Jaime Lee and Leora Cherney explored how people with aphasia communicate through text messaging.
They found that while individuals with aphasia tend to text less frequently than the general population, most participants were still able to successfully convey their message—even with errors or simplified language.
The researchers developed a tool to measure transactional success, which refers to how effectively someone communicates meaning, regardless of grammatical or spelling accuracy. This concept aligns with a long-standing truth in aphasia therapy:
“People with aphasia communicate better than they talk.” – Holland, 1977
Their findings highlight that texting can be a valid and functional communication method for people with aphasia, and that success depends more on clarity and shared understanding than perfect language form.
Bringing the Research Into the Therapy Room
Practice functional texting tasks such as:
📱 Responding to work-related questions
🗓 Confirming schedules and appointments
💬 Initiating brief social check-ins with coworkers or friends
We discuss strategies like:
Reviewing messages aloud before sending.
Using emojis or photos to supplement meaning.
Keeping messages short and focused.
Encouraging communication partners to confirm or clarify as needed.
These tasks not only improve written language but also restore confidence and independence in daily communication.
Why Functional Therapy Works
Functional therapy is about relevance—targeting real-world skills that matter to the person. By practicing texting in therapy, we’re not just improving spelling or sentence structure; we’re helping clients:
Reconnect socially.
Regain workplace competence.
Reduce frustration and isolation.
Texting is no longer “just technology”—it’s communication, participation, and connection.
At True Self Speech Therapy, we believe therapy should reflect the way people actually communicate today. Whether that’s through spoken words, writing, or a simple text message.