AI and Aphasia: Overcoming Communication Barriers - S3 Ep 8 with Jez Hodgkinson Artwork

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.

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On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

AI and Aphasia: Overcoming Communication Barriers - S3 Ep 8 with Jez Hodgkinson

October 22, 2025 • Jonathan Hirons and Rob Edwards • Season 3 • Episode 8

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AI and Aphasia: Overcoming Communication Barriers

In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, Jez shares his personal journey with Aphasia following a severe stroke in 2016. He discusses the challenges he faced in communicating and how he overcame them by starting a local Aphasia support group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jez also delves into his long-standing interest in AI, dating back to the 1980s, and explains how AI has significantly advanced in recent years. He introduces an AI-powered app he developed to assist Aphasia sufferers in recalling words more easily. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to support individuals with communication difficulties while noting the broader implications of AI technology in society.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:15 Overcoming Aphasia: Personal Journey
01:28 Community Involvement and Support Groups
03:17 Introduction to AI and Early Experiences
05:14 Developing an AI App for Aphasia
15:41 Practical Uses of AI in Daily Life
22:27 Challenges and Future of AI
25:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Say Aphasia Group Winchester and Southampton

https://www.sayaphasia.org/winchester

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To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org