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01. Acquired Communication
Disorders (ACD)

Acquired Communication Disorders in adults are changes in communication abilities caused by injury or illness, such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, brain tumours or neurodegenerative diseases.

These disorders can affect the voice, altering its pitch, volume or quality; speech, making articulation or rhythm difficult; and language, reducing the ability to express oneself or understand others.

To support those affected, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can be used, alongside targeted therapies to improve communication and other related skills.

Specialist Unit for Acquired Communication Disorders (UETAC)

Trivium-UETAC was established in 2017 to assess, provide interventions and offer advice on the rehabilitation, stimulation and maintenance of communication functions.

This initiative grew out of our professionals’ motivation to identify and address difficulties that can affect personal, linguistic and cognitive development.

The Trivium-UETAC team comprises specialists in neuropsychology and speech and language therapy, who work collaboratively to develop the project.

We use recent research in applied neuroscience to develop strategies and create personalised programmes for people with a range of needs.

Ongoing advice, support and guidance for family members and carers.

We apply science-based methods and models.

We deliver effective and meaningful interventions.

We always respect each person’s individuality.

How can we help you?

Aphasia

Aphasia is an acquired disorder caused by damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language. It can affect any or all of the following skills: speaking, understanding, reading and writing.

People with aphasia may also have other difficulties, such as dysarthria, apraxia or swallowing problems.

Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a motor speech programming disorder. The muscles of the mouth and face, and those involved in breathing, may become weak, move slowly or stop moving altogether after a stroke or another brain injury.

The type and severity of dysarthria depend on which part of the nervous system is affected.

Language disorder due to cognitive impairment

Language and communication difficulties caused by various conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cognitive decline.

Alexia

Alexia is the partial or complete loss of the ability to read due to brain damage, after this skill has already been acquired.

It may occur alongside aphasia, or without any difficulties with spoken language.

Agraphia

Different types of disorder that affect the ability to express oneself through writing or understand written language due to brain damage, after this skill has already been acquired.

Apraxia of speech

Apraxia can cause difficulties affecting different parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. Apraxia of speech is a motor speech programming disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain involved in speech.

People with apraxia of speech have difficulty sequencing sounds into syllables and words. The severity depends on the type of brain injury.