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