Cognitive-Communication Problems That Can Result From Acquired Brain Injury
“Through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and fight restored.”
– Helen Keller
Helen Keller knew a thing or two about suffering. Born deaf-blind, she overcame enormous physical and emotional challenges to become an author, activist and inspirational lecturer. Her wisdom and insight offer hope for those who battle to overcome challenges of all kinds, including those that come with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
Attention, memory, organizational skills, self-awareness; these are just some of the abilities that can be impacted in a person with an ABI. The more serious the injury, the more likely it is the individual will experience multiple challenges, which can have an impact on their life in a variety of significant ways.
One of the first things likely to be affected is an individual’s self-confidence. Suddenly, they may find themselves unable to do a whole range of tasks that were previously a part of normal, day-to-day routines. Their roles – as spouse, employee, parent, friend and more – are interrupted. They may be unable to complete duties as well or as efficiently as they did in the past, leading to frustration, stress and diminished self-esteem.
Fortunately, there is always hope for improvement. Speech-Language Pathologists are highly skilled individuals who are trained to assess and treat many of the problems associated with ABI.
At S.L. Hunter & Associates, the clinicians are equipped with up-to-date technology and resources to help people who’ve suffered such an injury. First, they conduct a comprehensive assessment of the client, using formal and/or informal assessment tools to evaluate skills such as listening, comprehension, social communication, insight and awareness. Next, they create a unique treatment plan designed to rebuild, reroute or reorganize affected connections within the brain and to provide appropriate strategies to enable the client to successfully deal with challenges that may arise.
If you or someone you know has experienced an acquired brain injury, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact a Speech-Language Pathologist in your area to arrange for an assessment.
The offices of S.L. Hunter & Associates are located at 5195 Harvester Rd. Unit 4B. They can be reached by telephone at 905-637-5522 or online at www.slhunter.ca.