Cognitive-Communication Needs

Difficulties in communication that arise from underlying cognitive deficits in areas such as attention, memory, organization, problem-solving, and executive function, rather than from primary language impairments. Cognitive-communication needs commonly result from traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative conditions. Individuals with CCNs may struggle with verbal fluency, planning conversations, following multi-step instructions, and managing daily activities that require communication. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat CCNs through functional rehabilitation strategies that target both cognitive and communicative skills.