On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia:
### Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia
1. **Initial Incident**: In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help.
2. **Medical Emergency**: He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with **aphasia**.
3. **Impact on Daily Life**:
- Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing.
- He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information.
- He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name.
4. **Support from Family**: His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery:
- She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing.
- This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation.
5. **Progress Through Therapy**: With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements:
- He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired.
6. **Advocacy and Awareness**:
- Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including **"On the Tip of My Tongue"** and **"What is Aphasia?"** These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges.
- He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation.
### Understanding Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including:
- **Speaking**: Difficulty in forming words or sentences.
- **Understanding**: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language.
- **Reading and Writing**: Problems with reading text or writing coherently.
### Key Takeaways
- **Aphasia is often a result of brain damage**, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life.
- **Early intervention and support** are crucial for recovery.
- **Awareness and education** about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected.
Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey.
Copyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.
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On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 1 - Disability in the workplace
Overcoming Trauma: Tom Ryan Elliott Talks Aphasia, Epilepsy, and Workplace Challenges
In this episode, we talk to Tom Ryan Elliott, who suffered a severe brain injury in 2014 leading to aphasia and epilepsy. He recounts his experience of how a work event in Las Vegas dramatically changed his life, leaving him in a coma and resulting in long-term disabilities. The discussion focuses on Tom's struggles and perseverance in the workplace, the lack of awareness about aphasia and epilepsy, and his journey towards building a new career in media and photography. Tom shares insights into the difficulties faced by people with disabilities in professional settings and his own future ambitions to raise awareness and secure more inclusive environments.
00:00 Introduction to Tom Ryan Elliott
02:25 Tom's Life-Changing Accident
05:42 Living with Aphasia and Epilepsy
08:22 Challenges in the Workplace
16:28 Pursuing a New Career in Media
26:49 Raising Awareness About Aphasia
01:55 Introduction to Tom Ryan Elliott
02:25 The Life-Changing Accident
04:38 Living with Aphasia and Epilepsy
08:22 Challenges in the Workplace
11:12 Pursuing a New Career in Media
16:18 Raising Awareness About Aphasia
25:31 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
Support the show: https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT0003MF6G9SBF
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
