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Cognitive Communication Disorders

What are Cognitive Communication Disorders?

Cognitive communication disorders are problems with communication that have an underlying cause in a cognitive deficit rather than a primary language or speech deficit.

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A cognitive communication disorder can  result in impairment in one or more of the following domains:

  • Attention

  • Insight and judgment

  • Memory

  • Perception

  • Orientation

  • Organization

  • Processing speed

  • Problem solving

  • Reasoning

  • Executive functioning

  • Metacognition

cognitive-communication-disorders-boca-r

What is Executive Functioning?

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 Executive Functioning refers to a set of cognitive processes that are  essential for controlling and coordinating other cognitive abilities and behaviors. These skills are crucial for planning, organizing, problem-

solving, and regulating emotions and actions. Executive functioning is

often divided into several key components:

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  1. Inhibition: The ability to control impulses and resist distractions, allowing for more thoughtful decision-making.

  2. Working Memory: The capacity to hold and manipulate information in mind while completing tasks, such as following multi-step instructions.

  3. Cognitive Flexibility: The ability to adapt to new information, switch between tasks, and think about multiple concepts simultaneously.

  4. Planning and Organization: The skills needed to set goals, prioritize tasks, and develop a step-by-step approach to achieve those goals.

  5. Emotional Regulation: The ability to manage emotions in a way that facilitates appropriate responses to situations and interactions.

  

These skills are critical for daily functioning, academic success, and social interactions. Difficulties with executive functioning can be seen in various conditions, including ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. Strategies

and interventions can help improve executive functioning skills, enabling

individuals to better manage their tasks and emotions.

 


Our Boca Raton Speech Therapist Can Help!

What are the Causes of  Cognitive Communication Disorders?

Cognitive communication disorders could be caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), neurological disorders, progressive brain degeneration, strokes, tumors, diseases, birth defects etc…

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What  is the Treatment for Cognitive Communication Disorders?

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A speech-language pathologist will perform an evaluation and determine which cognitive domains are impacted. Treatment will focus on targeting these impairments and providing strategies to support the areas impacted. The focus is on functional outcomes,  improving quality of life and providing support and resources for the individual and their family/caregivers.

Our South Florida Pediatric Speech Therapists treat cognitive communication disorders in children. 

If you would like to schedule your child for an evaluation please contact us here.

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