Cognitive communication disorders present as difficulty with any aspect of communication affected by cognitive disruption. This includes attention, memory, organisation, and problem solving.

Stuttering is an involuntary repetition of sounds, words, or syllables. There are two types of stuttering: Developmental and Neurogenic stuttering. Developmental can develop at an early age and last through to adulthood if not addressed early. Neurogenic may occur after a neurological event such as a stroke or head trauma/ brain injury. The brain has trouble coordinating speech following the damage to different pathways and can cause problems producing clear, fluent speech.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an alternative means of communication that can be used to support an individual who experiences difficulties with using verbal communication. AAC can be used by individuals across the lifespan, and includes multiple different forms (e.g. picture board, speaking generating devices, letter boards).

Dysphonia is a term used to describe abnormal voice or difficulties with producing voice. Dysphonia may result from poor voice use, misuse over time, misuse habits (e.g. throat clearing), lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol use), environmental factors (e.g. talking over background noise), or medical conditions (e.g. reflux, stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s Disease).

Dysarthria is a medical term used to describe difficulties with clearness of articulation and speech. Dysarthria may result from neurological injuries or conditions which affect nerve groups in our body responsible for speed, coordination, and strength of the body parts we use for production of speech.

Apraxia/Dyspraxia of speech is a term used to describe difficulties with motor planning of speech movements. Apraxia of speech occurs when messages for movement and coordination for speech are not successfully sent from the brain to the parts of the body responsible for speech (e.g. tongue, lips). Apraxia of speech may present as a person experiencing difficulties with consistently and correctly saying sounds, or difficulties with speaking. It causes a person to struggle with saying what they want correctly and consistently.

Aphasia is a medical term used to describe difficulties or deficits associated with the use of spoken and written forms of language, which may result from neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Difficulties with language use may include difficulties with understanding verbal or written information, the ability to select the right word, and the ability to formulate written or spoken sentences to convey meaning. Aphasia can disrupt a person’s ability to read, write, and speak. This can significantly impact a person’s ability to fulfil tasks and activities associated with their everyday life.

Aspiration occurs when a foreign object enters the airway. For people who have difficulties with swallowing, they may be at an increased risk of food, drinks, or saliva entering their airway. This may also increase a person’s risk of chest infections (aspiration pneumonia). If someone aspirates at mealtimes, they may also be at an increases risk of choking.

Dysphagia is when a person has difficulty moving food around the mouth and swallowing. It can cause discomfort and can become dangerous if not treated as it can lead to/ increase the risk of aspiration.