July 14, 2025
The GIST AI helps stroke survivors find their voice 
Lisa Lock
scientific editor
Andrew Zinin
lead editor
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A new approach using generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT is showing promise in enhancing communication for people with language disorders.
Speech pathologists at UTS are trialing the use of generative AI tools in speech therapy for people with aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate.
Often resulting from stroke or brain injury, aphasia affects millions worldwide, limiting their ability to speak, write, and understand language. While traditional speech therapy methods can be effective, they have limitations, prompting practitioners and researchers to explore new technologies.
Nathan Johnston, a 50-year-old Tasmanian man who suffered a stroke 10 years ago, has been using ChatGPT as part of his therapy.
Previously mostly limited to single-word written responses and emojis, Mr. Johnston describes ChatGPT as "awesome," crediting it with helping him compose and send text messages, emails, and social media posts.
Working with final year UTS Master of Speech Pathology students Sarah Nehme and Muhammad Measum Ali, Mr. Johnston has weekly speech pathology appointments via zoom as part of the Speech Pathology Reaching out at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) program (SPROUTS).
The SPROUTS Clinic is a student-led service where UTS speech pathology students work with clients under the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist. The service is provided at no cost to clients.
As part of his therapy, Mr. Johnston has learned to use prompts to write, expand, edit, and improve texts until he's satisfied with the result.
Nehme explains the process: "We start with choosing a topic that is relevant to him. Then we guide him in using simple prompts to navigate ChatGPT effectively, helping him craft responses with confidence.
"Some prompts we use include 'write message,' 'reply text,' 'I have aphasia help me talk,' 'add' and 'ask.'
"This support ensures ChatGPT functions as a practical aide alongside his other communication tools, such as his speech to text app called Claracom, enhancing his overall communication experience," says Nehme.
The students agree that ChatGPT empowers Mr. Johnston by enhancing his ability to communicate confidently and independently.
"ChatGPT enables him to participate in tasks he may not have engaged in previously, allowing him to be more active on social media, share his thoughts and opinions with others, and express himself more effectively," says Ali.
To illustrate the impact of this technology, Mr. Johnston shared a recent exchange with ChatGPT in which he developed a response to a text message from his mother:
Mr. Johnston's prompt: Reply text message: Did the t shirt from Spain fit you?
ChatGPT: "Yes, it fits perfectly! Thanks again for thinking of me"
Mr. Johnston's prompt: Make longer
ChatGPT: "Yes, it fits perfectly! I really appreciate you thinking of me and bringing it back from Spain. It's such a thoughtful gift, and I absolutely love it."
Mr. Johnston then copied the final version and sent it.
Lecturer in speech pathology at UTS, Dr. Cath Gregory says the UTS speech pathology team has been testing and using generative AI for the past two years. They are increasingly integrating it into therapy as the technology becomes more reliable.
"It has allowed clients to connect more easily socially, for example reconnecting with friends, being more active in online groups, and even initiating invitations to events," she says.
However, Dr. Gregory says while generative AI has helped some aphasia patients, it isn't accessible to all due to the digital divide and varying levels of technological literacy.
"In order to integrate generative AI into our therapy, clients need basic technology skills and some ability to read and write at least at the single-word level or use speech-to-text functions.
An issue raised by Mr. Johnston's mother highlights another challenge: the elaborate nature of AI-generated messages can lead to misunderstandings.
She reported that friends initially thought Mr. Johnston's Facebook page had been hacked because his posts were so different from his usual style. To address this, they now add "assisted by ChatGPT" to his posts.
This potential is illustrated in an exchange between Mr. Johnston and another UTS client who asked to keep in touch via email with others learning to use ChatGPT:
"Hey! Yes, I've been using ChatGPT in my speech pathology sessions, and it's been really awesome," Mr. Johnston wrote with the assistance of the tool.
"It's great for tasks like writing clear and concise text messages, crafting thoughtful replies to comments and generally helping improve communication skills."
Dr. Gregory hopes that as the technology evolves, generative AI could provide more tailored support for individuals with communication difficulties.
"Generative AI could fundamentally change how we support people with aphasia, providing them not just with a voice but also a means to express their identity," she said.
Provided by University of Technology, Sydney Citation: AI helps stroke survivors find their voice (2025, July 14) retrieved 14 July 2025 from https://techxplore.com/news/2025-07-ai-survivors-voice.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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