What Are Communication Difficulties?

Communication difficulties occur when a person experiences challenges understanding, expressing, receiving, processing or using communication effectively.

Communication involves much more than speaking. It includes:

• Understanding language
• Expressing thoughts and ideas
• Following conversations
• Social interaction
• Reading and writing
• Non-verbal communication
• Problem-solving during conversations
• Understanding social cues

Communication difficulties can affect people of all ages and may be present from early childhood or develop later due to injury, illness or neurological conditions.

---

Examples of Communication Difficulties

Communication difficulties may involve:

Expressive Language Difficulties
Difficulty expressing thoughts, ideas, feelings or needs.
Examples include:

• Limited vocabulary
• Short sentences
• Difficulty telling stories
• Difficulty explaining ideas

Receptive Language Difficulties
Difficulty understanding spoken language.
Examples include:

• Difficulty following instructions
• Misunderstanding questions
• Trouble understanding conversations
• Difficulty learning new information

Social Communication Difficulties
​Difficulty using communication appropriately in social situations.
Examples include:

• Difficulty taking turns in conversation
• Missing social cues
• Difficulty staying on topic
• Challenges understanding body language

Word-Finding Difficulties
Knowing what you want to say but having difficulty retrieving the correct word.

Cognitive Communication Difficulties
Difficulties with communication resulting from challenges with:

• Attention
• Memory
• Executive functioning
• Organisation
• Processing speed
• Problem solving

Speech Difficulties
Challenges producing speech sounds clearly.

---

Signs of Communication Difficulties by Age

Toddlers and Preschool Children
Possible signs include:

• Delayed speech development
• Limited vocabulary
• Difficulty following simple instructions
• Limited social interaction
• Reduced eye contact
• Frustration when communicating
• Difficulty expressing needs

School-Aged Children
Possible signs include:

• Difficulty understanding classroom instructions
• Challenges making friends
• Difficulty participating in conversations
• Trouble answering questions
• Difficulty retelling events
• Learning difficulties
• Reduced confidence speaking

Teenagers
Possible signs include:

• Difficulty expressing thoughts clearly
• Challenges with social communication
• Difficulty understanding complex language
• Trouble organising spoken or written information
• Reduced confidence in social situations
• Difficulty participating in group discussions

Adults and Seniors
Possible signs include:

• Word-finding difficulties
• Communication breakdowns at work
• Difficulty following conversations
• Difficulty expressing thoughts
• Social withdrawal
• Reduced confidence speaking
• Changes following stroke, brain injury or neurological conditions

---

Communication Difficulties and ADHD

Many individuals with ADHD experience communication differences.
Communication challenges may relate to:

• Attention during conversations
• Listening skills
• Organisation of thoughts
• Working memory
• Impulsivity
• Interrupting conversations
• Difficulty staying on topic

These challenges are often related to executive functioning rather than a lack of communication skills.

Speech Pathology can help individuals develop practical communication strategies that support participation at home, school, work and in relationships.

---

Communication Difficulties and Autism

Autistic individuals may experience differences in communication and social interaction.
Examples may include:

• Difficulty interpreting social cues
• Differences in conversational skills
• Challenges understanding figurative language
• Difficulty reading body language
• Differences in expressive language
• Preference for direct communication

Communication differences vary significantly between individuals.
Speech Pathology can support communication development while respecting individual communication styles and strengths.

---

Communication Difficulties After Stroke or Brain Injury

Communication difficulties can develop following:

• Stroke
• Acquired Brain Injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Neurological conditions
• Dementia
• Parkinson's Disease

Individuals may experience:

• Aphasia
• Word-finding difficulties
• Cognitive communication difficulties
• Difficulties understanding language
• Reading difficulties
• Writing difficulties
• Changes in social communication

Early intervention may assist individuals in developing strategies to maximise communication and participation.

---

Word-Finding Difficulties

Word-finding difficulties are one of the most common communication concerns seen in adolescents, adults and seniors.
People often describe:

• "The word is on the tip of my tongue."
• Knowing what they want to say but being unable to say it.
• Using incorrect words.
• Pausing frequently during conversation.
• Losing track of thoughts.

Word-finding difficulties may occur alongside:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Cognitive communication difficulties
• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Dementia
• Language disorders

Speech Pathology can provide strategies to support communication and reduce frustration.

---

Social Communication Difficulties

Social communication refers to how we use communication in everyday social situations.
This includes:

• Starting conversations
• Maintaining conversations
• Taking turns
• Reading social cues
• Understanding humour
• Interpreting body language
• Adjusting communication for different situations

​Social communication challenges may impact:

• Friendships
• Relationships
• School participation
• Workplace communication
• Community involvement

---

How Speech Pathology Can Help

Speech Pathologists assess and support a wide range of communication difficulties.
Support may include:
Communication Assessments
Identifying strengths, challenges and support needs.

Language Therapy
Supporting expressive and receptive language development.

Social Communication Support
Developing conversational and relationship-building skills.

Cognitive Communication Therapy
Supporting attention, memory, organisation and problem solving.

Word-Finding Strategies
Developing practical techniques to improve communication effectiveness.

Parent and Family Education
Providing strategies that can be used at home and in everyday environments.

School and Workplace Recommendations
Supporting participation across educational, community and workplace settings.

---

When Should I Seek Support?

You may wish to seek support if communication difficulties are affecting:

• Learning
• Friendships
• Relationships
• School participation
• Employment
• Confidence
• Independence
• Daily activities

Early support can help identify strengths, challenges and appropriate intervention strategies.

---

Related Resources

Speech Pathology Services

• Speech Pathology Perth & Mandurah
• Children's Speech Pathology
• Adult Speech Therapy
• Speech Pathology Assessments & Reports

Adult Communication Supports

• Communication Difficulties in Adults
• Cognitive Communication Therapy (Adults)
• Communication & Confidence Support (Adults)
• Neurodevelopmental & Lifelong Communication Support
• Stroke & Brain Injury Speech Therapy
• Voice & Fluency Therapy (Adults)
• AAC & Communication Devices Support

Communication Development Resources

• Expressive Language Difficulties
• Communication Difficulties in Children
• Speech Difficulties
• Articulation Difficulties​

Autism Resources

• Autism Support Hub
• Early Signs of Autism
• Signs of Autism in Toddlers
• Autism Assessment Process
• Autism Support Strategies
• Autism vs ADHD vs Developmental Delay

ADHD Resources

• How Do I Know If My Child Has ADHD?
• ADHD Checklist for Children
• Early Signs of ADHD in Children
• ADHD Support Without a Diagnosis
• ADHD vs Normal Behaviour in Children

Learning & Cognitive Resources

• Cognitive Difficulties
• Learning Difficulties in Children
• Specific Learning Disorder Support
• Dyslexia Support
• Dysgraphia Support
• Dyscalculia Support

---

Ready to Get Started?
​
If you are concerned about communication difficulties affecting yourself, your child or a family member, our Speech Pathologists can help identify strengths, challenges and practical strategies to support communication success.
​
Belong Health provides Speech Pathology services across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, Baldivis, the Peel Region and throughout Western Australia through home visits, community visits and telehealth services.

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

Frequently Asked Questions – Communication Difficulties

What are communication difficulties?
Communication difficulties refer to challenges understanding, expressing, receiving, processing, or using communication effectively.
Difficulties may affect speaking, listening, understanding language, social interaction, reading, writing, or non-verbal communication.

What are examples of communication difficulties?
Examples may include:

• Difficulty expressing thoughts clearly
• Understanding conversations
• Following instructions
• Finding the right words
• Participating in social interactions
• Reading and writing difficulties
• Communicating confidently in everyday situations

What causes communication difficulties?
Communication difficulties may occur for many reasons, including:

• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• Hearing difficulties
• Intellectual Disability
• Stroke
• Brain Injury
• Dementia
• Parkinson's Disease
• Neurological conditions
• Cognitive communication difficulties

What are warning signs of a communication difficulty?
Possible signs may include:

• Difficulty understanding instructions
• Trouble expressing thoughts
• Frequent misunderstandings
• Word-finding difficulties
• Social communication challenges
• Difficulty participating in conversations
• Frustration when communicating

What is the difference between speech and communication?
Speech refers to how sounds are produced and spoken.
Communication is broader and includes understanding language, expressing ideas, social interaction, non-verbal communication, reading, writing, and conversation skills.
A person may have communication difficulties even if their speech sounds clear.

Are communication difficulties the same as speech difficulties?
No.
Speech difficulties relate to producing speech sounds clearly.
Communication difficulties may affect understanding, expressing, processing, or using language effectively.
Some people experience both speech and communication difficulties.

What are word-finding difficulties?
Word-finding difficulties occur when a person knows what they want to say but has difficulty retrieving the correct word during conversation.

Why do I struggle to find words when talking?
Word-finding difficulties can occur for many reasons, including:

• Language processing differences
• ADHD
• Autism
• Cognitive communication difficulties
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Neurological conditions

Assessment can help identify contributing factors.

Can ADHD affect communication?
Yes.
ADHD can affect communication through:

• Attention difficulties
• Impulsivity
• Working memory challenges
• Organisation of thoughts
• Conversational skills
• Listening skills

Can Autism affect communication?
Yes.
Autism may involve differences in:

• Social communication
• Conversational skills
• Non-verbal communication
• Language development
• Understanding social cues

Every individual presents differently.

What is social communication?
Social communication refers to how we use communication during social interactions.
This includes:

• Starting conversations
• Taking turns
• Understanding social cues
• Adapting communication to different situations
• Maintaining friendships and relationships

Can communication difficulties affect friendships?
Yes.
Communication plays an important role in building and maintaining relationships.
Communication difficulties may affect social participation, confidence, and friendships.

Can communication difficulties affect learning?
Yes.
Communication skills underpin many aspects of learning, including:

• Following instructions
• Classroom participation
• Reading comprehension
• Written expression
• Problem solving
• Academic achievement

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a condition that affects a child's ability to understand and use spoken language.
Children with DLD may experience difficulties with vocabulary, sentence structure, following instructions, conversation skills, and learning.

What are the first signs of aphasia?
Aphasia may involve:

• Difficulty finding words
• Speaking in short sentences
• Understanding language
• Reading difficulties
• Writing difficulties

Aphasia commonly occurs following stroke or brain injury.

What communication difficulties can occur after stroke or brain injury?
Communication changes may include:

• Aphasia
• Word-finding difficulties
• Cognitive communication difficulties
• Memory challenges
• Attention difficulties
• Changes in social communication

Can anxiety affect communication?
Yes.
Anxiety can affect:

• Confidence when speaking
• Word retrieval
• Processing speed
• Social participation
• Conversational skills

What disorders can affect communication?
Communication difficulties may occur alongside:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Developmental Language Disorder
• Intellectual Disability
• Hearing loss
• Stroke
• Brain Injury
• Dementia
• Parkinson's Disease
• Neurological conditions

How can Speech Pathology help communication difficulties?
Speech Pathologists may support:

• Expressive language
• Receptive language
• Social communication
• Cognitive communication
• Word-finding difficulties
• Conversational confidence
• Communication strategy development

When should I seek support for communication difficulties?
You may wish to seek support if communication difficulties are affecting:

• Learning
• Friendships
• Relationships
• Work participation
• Confidence
• Everyday functioning

Early support can help identify strengths and support needs.

Can communication difficulties improve?
Many individuals make meaningful progress with appropriate support, therapy, strategies, and environmental adjustments tailored to their needs.
Progress varies depending on the underlying cause and individual goals.

Can communication difficulties occur without Autism or ADHD?
Yes.
Communication difficulties can occur independently or alongside a range of developmental, neurological, or acquired conditions.

Can adults experience communication difficulties?
Yes.
Communication difficulties can affect children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Difficulties may arise due to developmental conditions, neurological conditions, stroke, brain injury, dementia, or other health factors.

Does Belong Health provide support for communication difficulties?
Yes.
Belong Health provides Speech Pathology services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing communication difficulties across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, Baldivis, and throughout Western Australia.
Our team can help identify appropriate assessment and support pathways.

---

Your Support​ Matters
If you find these resources helpful, please support us in creating more valuable content by leaving a review on Facebook and Google.
Your feedback helps us continue to provide support and information that benefits our community.
​Stay updated with our latest resources and tips by liking us on Facebook!

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​