Cognitive Communication Disorders
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines cognitive-communication disorders as difficulty with any aspect of communication that is affected by disruption of thinking.
Cognition
Essentially, cognition includes the mental processes that are involved with acquiring, storing and using knowledge.- Attention.
- Executive function skills (e.g., initiating, planning, revising, etc.)
- Memory.
- Organization.
- Perception.
- Problem-Solving.
- Reasoning.
Communication
Communication may be verbal or nonverbal and includes all areas of language.- Gesturing.
- Listening.
- Reading.
- Speaking.
- Writing.
Cognitive Communication Disorders
Given the high incidence and prevalence of cognitive-communication disorders and their potentially serious consequences — including negative impacts on social, academic and vocational success — appropriate preventive efforts, assessment, diagnosis and management are critical.
Difficulties
Cognitive-communication disorders can cause a variety of difficulties for individuals, including:
- Difficulty responding to questions or conversations.
- Difficulty starting or ending conversations.
- Difficulty following group conversations.
- Difficulty recognizing social cues.
- Difficulty speaking clearly.
- Difficulty conveying thoughts.
Areas where individuals with cognitive-communication difficulties often struggle.
- Activities of daily living.
- Behavioral self-regulation.
- Learning and academic performance.
- Social interactions.
- Work performance.
Treatment
Speech and language therapy is often the main form of treatment for cognitive-communication deficits. Providers in MMI's Department of Speech-Language Pathology can offer therapeutic strategies and exercises to improve memory, attention and problem-solving skills and help individuals of all ages with cognitive communication difficulties improve their ability to communicate effectively.