When To Refer
Studies indicate that a high percentage of individuals who have an acquired brain injury will demonstrate some degree of communication disorder. Early assessment and intervention of cognitive-communication disorders is recommended following an ABI in order to maximize communication and learning for life participation and social success. Difficulties may be observed in many life areas, such as: succeeding in relationships, participating at home and in the community, managing at work and/or at school. While some deficits may be subtle, other challenges may be very obvious. Examples of difficulties with functional communication and thinking activities may include:
- Getting along with friends and family
- Following conversation one-on-one or in groups
- Participating in groups
- Finding the right words
- Making inappropriate comments
- Being verbose and tangential
- Speaking very little
- Getting to the point
- Following instructions
- Following movies and TV shows
- Reading newspapers, books, school and work material
- Writing emails, essays, messages
- Forgetting details of conversations
- Remembering information
- Learning new information
- Planning, reasoning, problem-solving and making decisions
