Traumatic Brain Injury in Young People: How Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of disability in children, teens, and young adults. Whether caused by sports injuries, falls, car accidents, or concussions, a TBI can have lasting effects on communication, cognition, and daily life. For families in Monmouth County and Ocean County, understanding how a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can support recovery is an important step toward helping young people regain their skills and independence.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI occurs when the brain experiences a sudden impact or jolt, disrupting normal function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries that require long-term rehabilitation. In children and young adults, even a mild injury can affect:
Speech and Language: Trouble finding words, forming sentences, or understanding directions.
Cognition: Challenges with memory, attention, problem-solving, and organization.
Social Communication: Difficulty reading social cues, maintaining conversations, or self-regulating emotions.
Academic Performance: Trouble with reading comprehension, writing, and following classroom routines.
The Role of an SLP in TBI Recovery
As an SLP serving Monmouth County and Ocean County, I work directly with young people recovering from TBI to target the specific challenges that impact their daily lives. Therapy is highly individualized, but may include:
1. Speech and Language Therapy
Helping children and teens regain vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall communication skills.
Using evidence-based strategies to rebuild expressive and receptive language abilities.
2. Cognitive-Communication Therapy
Strengthening memory, attention, and executive function (planning, organizing, self-monitoring).
Teaching strategies to improve academic performance and independent functioning.
3. Social Communication Support
Practicing conversation skills, turn-taking, and perspective-taking.
Coaching for real-world interactions in school, sports, and social settings.
4. Family and School Collaboration
Training parents and teachers on strategies to support communication at home and in the classroom.
Consulting with IEP teams to ensure goals are functional and educationally relevant.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Early therapy can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children and teens with TBI. With targeted intervention, many young people are able to return to school, participate in activities, and rebuild confidence in their communication skills.
If your child has experienced a concussion or TBI in Monmouth County or Ocean County, an evaluation with a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist can be a crucial step in their recovery.
Getting Support in Monmouth & Ocean County
At NRC Therapy Services, I provide speech therapy, literacy intervention, and executive function support for children and teens recovering from brain injuries. Services are available in schools, homes, and private practice settings throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey.
If you are concerned about your child’s communication or cognitive skills after a TBI, reach out today to learn how speech therapy can help.
📍 Serving families in Monmouth and Ocean County
📞 Contact NRC Therapy Services for a consultation