Brain Injury

Cognitive-communication skills are the thinking skills we use to understand and use language in real-life situations. They include attention, memory, organisation, problem-solving, planning, reasoning, self-monitoring and social communication. After a brain injury (such as stroke, trauma, hypoxia or illness), these skills can change, even when speech sounds and basic language appear “intact”.

Difficulties with cognitive-communication can look like losing track in conversations, forgetting information, struggling to find words, difficulty following complex instructions, talking too much or too little, missing social cues, or trouble planning and organising tasks. This can impact study, work, relationships, driving, managing appointments and everyday independence.

At Sound Bites Therapy Services, we provide assessment and therapy for adults experiencing cognitive-communication changes after brain injury. We work collaboratively to understand each person’s strengths, challenges, goals and support network. Therapy is practical and functional, focusing on real-life activities such as conversations, emails, phone calls, appointments and work tasks.

Intervention may include strategies for attention and memory, planning and organisation tools, communication supports (such as written prompts or visual aids), and training for families and support workers. Our aim is to build sustainable strategies that reduce frustration, support safety and independence, and help people participate in the roles and activities that matter most to them.