Huntsville, AL 35801

Cognition

Cognition focuses on our brains’ daily functions, such as attention, memory, executive functioning, problem solving, and abstract thinking.

What is cognition?

Cognition is an umbrella term for a variety of brain functions that we need to complete daily tasks. Difficulties with cognitive tasks can affect our ability to recall information, problem-solve, make decisions, reason, sustain our attention, and think abstractly. Speech therapists can address both cognition issues and communication issues that stem from cognitive disorders or decline.

How do we process information?

In a variety of ways! The way we process information depends on our brains, which are highly individualized. There’s a reason we typically learn about all the types of intelligences and ways people learn (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.) - we all have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to our cognitive processing.

Some of us also have a type of processing called gestalt processing. Gestalt processing is getting more recognition as neurodivergence is being recognized and discussed more. This type of processing is often marked by starting with understanding the whole picture of something before the smaller pieces or details. Those with gestalt processing may start language use with scripts or chunks of language (“I want the ball”), which then break down into individual words to identify meaning (“ball,” “want,” “I,” “the”). Learn more about gestalt processing here.

It is important to remember that struggling with cognitive skills does not mean people cannot think clearly, complete daily functions or tasks, or live independently. It does mean that their lives are impacted by their struggles in various ways to varying degrees.

What can cause cognition issues?

Cognitive issues or difficulties can be caused by many things. Some people develop difficulties with attention, memory, or problem solving. Others, especially those who are neurodivergent, experience difficulties with these skills as a symptom of their neurodivergence. For example, it is not uncommon for those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to experience difficulties with working memory.

Cognitive difficulties may also be acquired, meaning that they develop overtime due to another cause. Some potential causes of cognition issues can include progressive diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, Dementia), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), strokes, or tumors.

How do I know if I or if a loved one needs cognitive intervention?

Someone with cognitive difficulties may present with these struggles:

Trouble making decisions, especially smaller or less important decisions
Struggles to problem solve
Has limited attention
Struggles to remember information (especially without visuals)
Difficulties following multistep directions
Only remembering things you like or are interested in
Struggles to organize or plan information (i.e. schedules, essays, stories, tasks)
Struggles with time management
Issues with prioritizing information and tasks
Difficulties with thinking abstractly (metaphor, art interpretation, etc.)
Problems starting or completing tasks
Issues with impulse or emotional control
Difficulty with flexible thinking (changes in plans)
Struggles with self-monitoring

A client may struggle with one or more of these skills. Struggling with these skills infrequently may not be a problem, but consistently struggling with cognition tasks can result in frustration, confusion at why some tasks are easy while others aren’t, or limited success in classroom or work tasks.

If you or a loved one are struggling, we may be able to help. Cognition therapy is conducted by speech therapists to improve attention, memory, executive functioning, and more.

What does cognitive intervention look like?

As with other domains of speech therapy, cognition therapy often looks different for each person. It often depends on what the client struggles with and what their personal goals are for therapy. Cognition therapy does typically focus on two different aspects of treatment: compensatory strategies and restorative strategies.

Compensatory strategies are techniques taught to clients that focus on teaching clients how to change their environment and behaviors to help compensate for difficulties. For example, anyone who has made sure to write something they’ve heard down so they can remember it has used a compensatory strategy! While compensatory strategies may not help fix the underlying issue (just like writing something down doesn’t fix your memory), it does help us to function in daily tasks.

Restorative strategies are focused more on regaining skills. Alongside compensatory strategies, speech therapists directly address cognitive struggles and deficits through a variety of activities. Some of these activities may be direct, while other skills may be built indirectly through tasks such as games.

If you or a loved one are struggling and are interested in being evaluated or treated for these issues, feel free to read more below or contact us!