The remainder of this article will describe the communication changes that can occur after brain injury and suggest ways for communication partners to help. Changes in Communication There can be alterations in speech, language and cognitive functioning after brain injury. Most children regain speech skills after brain injury. These skills usually improve with the physical recovery. When there are problems with paralysis, swallowing and motor coordination, it is possible that the child will have continued trouble with speaking.
Youth can exhibit receptive or expressive language problems.
Later, when the conversation is analyzed, it is apparent that while a lot has been said, it has little meaning. Tangential use of language where the individual talks beyond the topic or question asked. The answers are long, but not related to the topic or question asked. Word finding problems where the individual is unable to recall certain words. Slowed vocabulary development where the individual has difficulty learning new words and remembering the definitions.