Cognition specialists examine internal mental processes such as problem solving, memory and language. A cognitive assessment involves the use of specific tests to assess a person's thinking and reasoning skills including concentration, perception and problem solving.
Communication specialists which include speech pathologists, identify any problems a person may have communicating and ways to overcome these. Communication includes being understood as well as understanding others, either in speaking and listening or in reading and writing. The relevant assessment is called a communication, language or speech assessment.
Cognition and communication specialists may incorporate the following to assist workers with cognitive or communication difficulties to:
- provide strategies that enhance memory or compensate for memory decline
- discuss the worker’s cognitive status with other staff and family, and help develop and explain appropriate communication strategies, and
- educate employers and family on appropriate environmental modifications to minimise cognitive impairments.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Communication and thinking processes are requirements in all workplaces. A cognition and communication specialist can assist in identifying issues or difficulties in these areas and suggest relevant solutions. Examples include:
- auditory comprehension, for example, understanding verbal instructions
- immediate and delayed recall such as difficulty remembering information
- motor speech impairment such as difficulty producing fluent speech sounds
- verbal expression, for example, difficulty putting sentences together in a meaningful way
- word finding difficulties such as difficulty putting thoughts into own words
- motor speech impairment such as difficulty producing fluent speech sounds.
When utilizing a cognition and communication specialist, the following sources may be useful:
References:
CRS Australia 2007, Services, CRS Australia, Canberra, viewed 14 November 2011, http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/services.htm.
Speech Pathology Australia 2011, What is a Communication Disability?, Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd., Melbourne, viewed 14 November 2011, http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/library/1.3_What_is_a_Communication_Disability.pdf.