Cognitive Communication Disorders

About

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, memory, organization, problem solving/reasoning, and executive functions. Problems in these areas can affect verbal and nonverbal communication. For instance, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and pragmatic (social interaction) skills may be affected negatively. Problems with cognitive-communication can affect activities of daily living, and academic and work performance.

Who can this affect?

Children or adults who have experienced:

• right hemisphere brain damage
• traumatic brain injury
• genetic disorders
• lack of oxygen to the brain (anoxia)
• brain tumor

Additional resources

• www.asha.org
• http://www.biausa.org/
• http://www.biaaz.org/