Communication is a complex process, which involves many aspects of thinking as well as a range of social skills that help us communicate with others. During our child's first few years of growth, they develop a range of cognitive skills, one of which is communication. They learn how to successfully communicate with other people and how to act in social situations. However, should any injury occur, either to their brain or anything that impacts their skills, their ability to communicate can become difficult. The term 'Cognitive communication difficulties' is often used to describe the problems that can occur.
This term may sound intimidating but it denotes a wide range from problems that can occur from an acquired brain injury. This can negatively impact one's ability to develop and organize thoughts in order to communicate with others.
As 'communication' is such a broad spectrum, there are a number of symptoms that can occur as a result of cognitive communication difficulties. These include:
This impact can be extensive. For example, if a child tends to act impulsively then they may be more prone to finding themselves in a dangerous situation. Additionally, if a child struggles to regulate their own emotions then they may find themselves to have difficulties communicating in social interactions and experiencing frequent emotional outbursts.
SpeechAim offers a range of assessment and treatment services with our friendly speech-language pathologists. Parents who may have concerns should contact us to set up a consultation.
At SpeechAim we have designed a number of therapy sessions, specially tailored to improve your child's exact symptoms. We understand that every child will show their own unique symptoms, with no two children being the exact same. As a result, all of our therapy sessions will work one-on-one with your child to make the best development possible.
After an initial consultation session, we will be able to create a program specially designed to counter the symptoms that your child is showing, as well as provide you, a parent or guardian, with a range of tips and tricks that you can use at home to further increase development.
There are many ways in which you can help cognitive communications at home, alongside any therapy that we can provide for you. For example:
Giving your child extra time to fully understand what you have said. Try not to repeat yourself as they will put pressure on them.
Breaking your information down into small segments. Children may not understand large sets of sentences and so breaking them down will make it easier for them to understand.
Keep language simple. Do not talk down to your child or patronize them, however make sure that they fully understand what you are saying.
Write down information for your child and encourage that they do the same, this is a great way in which your child can learn how to remember particular sentences.
All of our therapists are available around the clock whenever you need them. At home, at school or in the workplace. For more information, or to schedule an appointment please contact us below.