Cognitive Communication involves orientation, memory, attention, problem solving, reasoning and executive functioning.
What are the causes of cognitive communication deficits?
Acquired cognitive–communication deficits may occur after a stroke, tumor, brain injury, progressive degenerative brain disorder such as Alzheimer’s Dementia, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis or other neurological damage. These deficits result in difficulty with thinking and how someone uses language.
What interventions are used to treat cognitive communication deficits?
Intervention for Cognitive Communication deficits can involve the training of external or internal strategies to improve memory, development and training of techniques to restore cognitive skills including problem solving/reasoning and organizational skills.
What behaviors could indicate the need for a speech referral?
Behaviors that could indicate the need for a speech referral include:
- difficulty planning and completing necessary daily activities
- difficulty following directions
- difficulty anticipating consequences of own actions
- poor organization, with limited problem solving and judgment
- limited awareness of extent of difficulties; exhibits socially inappropriate behavior
- difficulty with concepts of time and money
- difficulty self-disciplining and self-monitoring to follow rules
- difficulty changing routine or schedule; difficulty learning new rules
- limited ability to communicate complex thoughts and ideas
