Bridging the Gap: Pragmatic Language Group Approach for Cognitive-Communication Deficits Postconcussion

Abstract

Postconcussion patients who have made progress through individual speech and language therapy may continue to experience cognitive-communication deficits, which include changes in word finding, executive function, reading comprehension, written expression, and social skills. In this article, the authors describe a pragmatic language group approach to maximize recovery from persisting cognitive-communication deficits in patients with postconcussion symptoms. Findings suggest that the inclusion of a pragmatic language group in concussion management benefits patient care, enabling participants to regain preconcussion functional communication skills and improve quality of life. Prior to enrollment in the pragmatic language group, participants completed a course of individual speech and language treatment ranging from 3 to 6 months. Following intervention, participants presented with varying degrees of impairment that continued to interfere with their communication function. The application of group therapy is...