Module

Module 2

2.0 Aims

2.1 Communication

2.2 Sources of
     communication
     difficulties

2.3 Experience

2.4 Communication
      Problems
     a) Dysphasia
     b) Dysarthria
     c) Dyspraxia
     d) Non-verbal

2.5 Cognitive
     problems

2.6 Social
     communication
     deficits

2.7 Tips for talking

2.8 Take home      messages

2.9 Resources

2.10 Take the Test

Feedback
Copyright

Cognitive problems and communication - “Talking without Communicating”

Other cognitive deficits can affect a person's ability to communicate, without directly affecting their language areas, or ability to produce speech. View the video of James and then brainstorm what his difficulties with communication are.

James' difficulties with communication are the result of impairments to his memory, a cognitive process, rather than impairments to his specific language areas.

The following list outlines some cognitive impairments and some consequences they can have for communication:

A. Memory problems

• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty learning new information

Can lead to a person forgetting what they have already told someone, and so repeating themselves. Can also make learning new words more difficult.

B. Information processing problems

• Slowness in thinking and responding
• Reduced attention span
• Easily distracted, can’t stay on task
• Poor concentration, can’t keep track of more than one thing at a time

Can mean that a person has difficulty keeping on one topic, and may go off on "tangents" when communicating.

C. Planning problems

• Failure to develop plans of action
• Disorganisation, ineffective approach to task
• Failure to learn from mistakes

May result in a person have difficulty planning what they want to communicate into a logical order eg if giving a set of instructions or telling a story

D. Inflexible thought process

• Gets stuck on one idea and can’t be shifted
• Can only see one point of view
• Difficulty adopting new ideas
• Difficulty grasping complex ideas
• Takes a long time to adapt to new situations

Person may have difficulty adapting the communication style to suit the situation.

E. Initiation

• Lethargic and inert
• Difficulty starting tasks
• Difficulty sustaining appropriate activity (needs prompting to continue)

May need repetitive prompting to continue communication

F. Control problems

• Difficulty controlling impulses (overly familiar, sexually inappropriate, tactless)
• Low frustration tolerance

May communicate in inappropriate ways, and not observe social conventions when communicating