How is this different from aphasia?

Aphasia affects language itself, such as finding words and understanding sentences. Cognitive communication difficulties come from changes to thinking skills like attention, memory and organisation, which affect how language is used. Some people have both, and we assess for each.

Adults after a traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumour or hypoxic brain injury, and people with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or early dementia.

Can you help with returning to work or study?

Yes. We can work on the communication demands of your job or course, such as meetings, emails and phone calls, and with your consent, help your employer or educator understand what support is useful.

Can therapy be done in Arabic?

Yes. Our Speech Pathologists speak English and Arabic, so we can work in the language you use most and fully involve family members who are more comfortable in Arabic.

How is therapy funded?

You don't need a referral to contact us. For a Medicare rebate, you'll need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a GP referral, which covers up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. NDIS participants can use their plan, and private health insurance with extras cover may also help. Our team can talk you through the options.

Speech Pathologist working through a structured thinking and communication task with an adult client at Mustard Seed Health Care in Yagoona

Speech Pathology · Yagoona

Cognitive Communication Support for Adults

Help with the thinking skills behind communication, such as attention, memory and organising your thoughts, after a brain injury, stroke or neurological condition.

Refer Now

Overview

When Thinking Changes Affect Communication

Communication relies on more than words. We need to pay attention, remember what was said, organise our thoughts, read between the lines and keep track of a conversation. When a brain injury, stroke, brain tumour or neurological condition affects these thinking skills, communication can break down even when speech and vocabulary seem fine.

A person might go off topic, repeat themselves, miss jokes or sarcasm, struggle in group conversations or find it hard to explain things in order. These changes can be subtle, but they can strain relationships and make returning to work or study much harder.

Speech Pathology helps the person understand what has changed, build strategies that work for them, and practise communicating in the situations that matter, with family closely involved.

Refer Now

Call Us

Signs & symptoms

Signs of Cognitive Communication Difficulties

Everyone's experience is different. If any of the signs below sound familiar, it's worth reaching out for a professional opinion, even if you're not sure.

Losing track of conversations, especially in groups

Going off topic, or talking at length without getting to the point

Repeating questions or stories

Difficulty organising thoughts or explaining things in order

Missing jokes, sarcasm or social cues

Trouble following instructions, emails or written information

Finding conversations tiring or overwhelming

Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding needs urgent attention. Call 000. Gradual changes in memory or thinking should be discussed with your GP.

What to expect

Our Assessment Process

We know assessments can feel daunting. Our process is thorough but warm, and we take the time to understand the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Referral and Background

Refer through our online form or give us a call. We'll ask about the injury or diagnosis and request any hospital, rehabilitation or neuropsychology reports.

Assessment Appointment

We see adults in our Yagoona clinic, via telehealth, at home, or in residential aged care (nursing homes), wherever suits the person best. We encourage a family member to come along, as they often notice changes the person may not.

During the Assessment

We look at attention, memory, reasoning, organisation and social communication, using structured tasks and real conversation. We also talk about goals at home, at work or in study.

Plan and Report

We explain what we found in plain language and agree on goals together. You'll receive a report with recommendations, usually within two weeks, with a copy sent to the GP.

Referral and Background

Refer through our online form or give us a call. We'll ask about the injury or diagnosis and request any hospital, rehabilitation or neuropsychology reports.

Assessment Appointment

During the Assessment

We look at attention, memory, reasoning, organisation and social communication, using structured tasks and real conversation. We also talk about goals at home, at work or in study.

Plan and Report

We explain what we found in plain language and agree on goals together. You'll receive a report with recommendations, usually within two weeks, with a copy sent to the GP.

Therapy

How We Help

Therapy focuses on practical strategies that work in real life. That might mean setting up a planner or phone reminders, structuring conversations, preparing for meetings or practising social situations that have become difficult.

What we work on

Strategies for attention, memory and organisation
Conversation and social communication skills
Reading, writing and following complex information
Preparing to return to work or study
Education and strategies for family members
Coordination with other members of the care team

Strategy Training

Tools and routines, such as planners, reminders and checklists, that support memory, attention and organisation.

Social Communication Therapy

Practice with conversation, turn taking and reading social cues in real situations.

Family and Workplace Support

Helping family, employers or educators understand the changes and how to support communication.

What families can expect

What You Can Expect

We set measurable goals and track progress carefully, so you always know where things stand and what comes next.

A clear understanding of how thinking changes are affecting communication

Personal strategies for memory, attention and organisation

Easier, more successful conversations

More confidence at home, at work or in study

Family members who understand the changes and how to help

Goals reviewed and adjusted as recovery continues

Ready to start? Our team is happy to answer your questions. There's no obligation, just a friendly conversation.

Refer Now

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Our full FAQ page covers many more topics, or just give us a call and we'll help.

View All FAQs

Ask us directly

Related services

Related Services

Other areas our team supports. If you're not sure which is right for you, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Aphasia

Rebuilding language after stroke or brain injury, word by word.

Learn more

Stroke Rehabilitation

Communication and swallowing therapy to support recovery after stroke.

Learn more

Parkinson's Disease Support

Voice and speech therapy to maintain loud, clear communication.

Learn more

Ready to Get Started?

Not sure if this is the right fit? Contact us and we'll help you figure out the next step.

Refer Now

Prefer to talk? Call us on (02) 9052 6095