Why They’re Still Struggling: The Cognitive & Communication Problems No One Explained

Dr. Taryn Townsend, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CBIS Neurotunity, PLLC; Texas Children's Hospital Following a brain injury, many children demonstrate recovery yet continue to experience ongoing challenges with communication, independence, and functional participation. This session will help caregivers understand underlying cognitive-communication impairments, terms such as aphasia and apraxia, and how these diagnoses impact everyday interactions and the carryover of skills. Caregivers will learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to support communication, recognize signs of meaningful progress, and address plateaus. Emphasis will be placed on caregiver advocacy, including how to communicate effectively with medical teams and therapists to ensure that cognition & communication needs remain a central focus of care.