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Communication difficulties

Communication difficulties may arise as a result of speech and/or language problems. Some people may communicate without verbal expression. Social interaction can be hard for some, this is also part of communication. Communication may be difficult from the time a person is born (congenital), or difficulties can happen as the result of an accident, illness or brain damage (acquired).

Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication:
  • facial expression
  • gesture/sign language
  • body language
  • symbols (writing, drawing, pictures)
  • technology

Speech

Speech consists of many aspects: voice, articulation, rhythm and loudness. If even one of these aspects is not working optimally, speech can become difficult. We can help with:
  • motor speech disorders such as apraxia and dysarthria
  • articulation of speech sounds
  • talking without hesitation or repetition
  • talking with a strong voice
  • making the voice lively and interesting
  • hoarse or husky voice

Language

The language centres of the brain are like a filing cabinet. An injury or illness can jumble the filing cabinet up, making it difficult to comprehend or express language. A speech-language therapist can help with:
  • aphasia (also known as dysphasia), a common language disorder amongst people who have had a stroke
  • making sense of what people say
  • knowing and choosing the right words or gestures to explain your meaning
  • joining words together in sentences, stories and conversations

Social Communication

Some children need extra help to learn the rules of social communication, and some adults also need help in this area following damage to the brain. Social communication involves:
  • considering other people’s points of view
  • recognising non verbal clues
  • taking turns, eye contact, personal space
  • staying on topic
  • adapting communication for different situations or audiences 
Conditions affecting Speech, Language and Communication
  • Stroke (CVA)
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Dementia
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Intellectual disability
  • Developmental delay
  • Chromosomal Disorders eg Down Syndrome
  • Dyspraxia
  • Autism
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Recovering from surgery
  • repetitive straight injuries
  • Brain/Head injuries
  • Deafness/hearing impairment
  • Oral cancer
  • Stuttering/fluency

Information to download

Communication Brochure

Related links

Adult speech and language - American Speech and Hearing Association
Aphasia Charitable Trust New Zealand
Caroline Bowen's Speech-Language Therapy Resources 
The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand
TalkLink - Alternative, augmentative communication specialists
Typical speech and language development - American Speech and Hearing Association
Performer's Choice Physiotherapy

Professional Registration

Our Speech-Language Therapists' are registered with the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists' Association (NZSTA).