Methods for assessing language impairments differ from those needed for communication problems. The article presents results from three previously published studies by the author and co-workers. It is concluded that information about the impairment and training in compensation should be offered the spouse as well as speech therapy to the patient in order to improve reduced communication due to aphasia. Measures of neuropsychological impairments, communication skills and awareness of deficits should be included as well as tests of linguistic competency if a comprehensive aphasia assessment is sought. The methods described are shown to validly differentiate between aphasic subtypes and neuropsychological syndromes.