Improving Cognitive Communication Deficits

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines cognitive communication disorders as difficulty with any aspect of communication that is affected by disruption of cognition. Some examples of cognitive processes include attention, working memory, thought organization, perception, problem solving/reasoning, processing speed, and executive functions. The cognitive processes are not isolated abilities; they work together. Deficits in one or more of these areas can affect both verbal and nonverbal communication. Speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing, and pragmatic languageskills may be affected negatively. Cognitive communication deficits can affect daily social activities, acquisition of life skills, and academic performance. Children who have experienced right hemisphere brain damage, traumatic brain injury, a brain tumor, a lack of oxygen to the brain (anoxia), orother genetic disorders may have a cognitive communication deficit or delay.

Highlights

• Improve your knowledge of what a cognitive communication disorder is and how it differs from deficits in the areas of expressive and receptive language
• Gain awareness of how a cognitive communication disorder affects several aspects of communication, learning,and development

Target Audience: Speech-Language Pathologists