Aphasia: Communication While Driving

Driving with an aphasic in the passenger seat is an experience. My husband is aphasic, and because of his disabilities, I do the driving. Talk about a backseat driver--only he's sitting in the passenger seat directing me. If you know anything about aphasia, you know how difficult it is for an aphasic to gather-up words and express them. The words may be right there ready to be vocalized, but they just don't want to come out. That's a problem when you're a backseat driving aphasic or the driver of one.

Aphasia: Nonverbal Communication

Because the words don't want to come out easily--and sometimes the words don't want to come at all--my husband reverts to nonverbal language. I've learned to read my husband's nonverbal language. But the problem with exasperation and pointing is that the language can be misinterpreted. For example, let's say my husband wants us to get into the left lane, because the right lane is about to feed-off. But not knowing that, I think he must be crazy--especially since I know I will be needing to exit soon.

He points to the left, but can't say left or move left or left lane. So a quarrel ensures, and I complain about not wanting to go that way. He becomes adamant about my getting over there. I refuse, knowing I will be turning. Then the lane runs out, and I find myself understanding what all the fuss is about. My apologies are expressed, he lets out an exasperated sigh, and we move on to the next language situation.

Aphasia: Dashboard Driving List

Some aphasics can speak words more easily when the words are written down. My husband is one of them. So recently, I designed a list of usable words and phrases that he might use in his self-imposed task of directing my driving. I posted the dashboard list in his view. It includes phrases such as: turn left, turn right, go straight, left lane, right lane, center lane, stop, slow down, go faster, pass, and exit. What a difference real words make!

If you know a backseat aphasic or his or her driver, feel free to help out by making a dashboard list for their vehicle. Even if the aphasic can't speak the words on the list, he or she can read pictures, arrows, or words, and then point to an intended expression. This can benefit both driver and passenger by improving communication. What's more, the road will be a safer place, because the driver won't be stressed-out by an irate aphasic passenger trying to get across a message.