Be Positive!

I am John. I like everything, especially the movies. I love writing, producing and directing. I produced for Edmonton Public Schools and the Stollery Children’s Hospital. I love my work. Every person is happy, before. Then it came.

I had a stroke. It hurt. It started August 25, 2014 and it was bad. My right side is damaged. My right hand is the worst. I can only see through a tiny hole. Every day is difficult. Nothing is easy any more.

I work, and work, and work. I am still recovering and must learn all over again. How to write. How to read. How to speak. But I say everyone must try to be positive!!!

Read more stories

  • Recovery

    This is a Finding Words story! Aphasia has impacted my speaking, writing and my ability to read numbers. Two years
    read more...

  • Overcoming Aphasia

    My first semester of graduate school I was assigned to work with a client with aphasia. While frustrating for the
    read more...

  • I am a Warrior

    This is a Finding Words story! In Mexico, I was a salesman and used language a lot. When I had
    read more...

Learn about aphasia

What is
aphasia?

Get a clear explanation of aphasia, what it affects, and why it can look different from person to person.

Learn more

What causes
aphasia?

Explore the most common causes of aphasia and how brain changes can lead to communication challenges.

Learn more

What are symptoms
of aphasia?

Find out what communication challenges people with aphasia face based on what type of aphasia they have.

Learn more

What are the
types of aphasia?

Learn how aphasia is commonly grouped, what those patterns mean, and why no two experiences are exactly the same.

Learn more

Diagnosis, recovery,
and prevention

Learn how aphasia is diagnosed, recovery outlook, and prevention tips.

Learn more

Related
conditions

See which conditions may co-exist with aphasia and how they might affect you.

Learn more

How is
aphasia treated?

Get more info on how professionals treat aphasia and how different treatments work.

Learn more

Resources

Articles

Explore expert insights, practical guidance, and real-world perspectives on living with and understanding aphasia.

Read articles

Webinars

Informative aphasia-focused webinars that support education, shared understanding, and informed decision-making.

Watch webinars

Aphasia stories

Personal stories, short films, and perspectives that show how people live, adapt, and communicate with aphasia.

See their stories

Community

Join In Aphasia is a free online community that brings people together to connect and support one another on their aphasia journey.

Visit community