404 Not found

Speech Therapy Store

71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

Do you have kiddos who struggle with their social problem-solving skills? Teach your students the simple process of how to solve a problem along with having them review how well their solution worked or didn’t work.

Why Teach Problem Solving Skills?

Learning to problem solve is an essential skill that is used not only throughout childhood but also into adulthood. Social problem solving is the ability to change or adapt to undesirable situations that arise throughout our day.

On a daily basis, a child will encounter social problems that they will need to solve.

Anything from:

  • arguing with another student
  • to hurting a friend’s feelings
  • to having a difficult conversation
  • working with others

problem solving scenarios

Start with Small Problems

Many of the “problems” children encounter are often small problems which the child may be over-reacting to, such as wanting a different coloring crayon or wanting to be first in line, however, these small problems are still very real to the child.

Practicing problem-solving with these small problems can be a great learning opportunity. Children can practice problem-solving with a small problem which can help them learn how to handle bigger problems in the future.

Problem Solving Importance

Social problem-solving skills are critical to a child’s social interactions, personal and professional relationships. A child’s ability to handle change, cope with stress, and handle challenges improves with a child’s ability to successfully solve social problems.

The ultimate goal is that the child will be able to solve social problems all on their own, but until they can independently solve a problem they will need to learn how to communicate and self-advocate to positively solve their problems.  

Steps to Problem Solving

Children can be taught how to problem solve through a guided process of breaking down the problem and using simple steps to solve the problem.

Learning specific steps to problem-solving can allow children to remember how to solve a problem when they become overwhelmed or stressed.

Although learning to solve a problem independently can take some time and practice it is well worth the investment to have a child who can eventually solve most social situations in a positive manner on their own.

What we learnt about solving problems is don't freak out, if one thing doesn't work , try something else out. And work together as a team. #melthammathsweek #MELTHAMPUPILVOICE @problemsolveit pic.twitter.com/iVm1Im4Aue — yr6melthamce (@yr6melthamce) February 4, 2019

Problem Solving Form

Teach your students the 4 steps to becoming a social problem-solver.

  • Identify the problem. For instance, start by having your student identify the social problem.
  • Create three solutions. Also, have your student come up with three different solutions that they could use to solve the problem that they identified.
  • Identify the consequences. Then, identify the consequence for each individual solution.
  • Pick the best solution.  Lastly, have your student identify which of their three solutions is the best choice Then have your student put into words why they think that solution is the best solution.

Problem Solving Graphic Organizer

Problem Solving Review Form

After your students go through the social problem-solver have them use the social problem-solving review form.

  • What happened.  For instance, after your student tried their solution have them explain what happened next.
  • Review the results. Also, have your student identify whether or not their solution got them the results they wanted.
  • Use this solution again. Furthermore, have your student identify whether or not they would use this solution again in the future to solve the same or similar problem.
  • What would you do differently? Finally, have your student explain what they would do differently if they didn’t get the results they wanted or if they wouldn’t use that solution again in the future.

Problem-Solving-Review

71+ Social Problem Scenarios + 6 Blank Scenarios

Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem.

Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and needs help solving.

Problem Solving Scenarios

Wordless Video teaching Problem Solving

Watch this super cute wordless animation with your students and have them discuss the problem they see and how to best solve the problem.

Use this as a fun practice example to get your students started towards learning how to problem-solve.

Demonstrate Through Modeling

Model and discuss empathy.

First and foremost, children need to understand how another person might be feeling in a given situation in order to become a good social problem solver. The student needs to learn how to “stand in someone else’s shoes” for a little bit.

One way you can work on this skill is during the reading time you can focus on how a particular character in the story might be feeling.

Ask questions, such as:

  • “How do they feel right now?”
  • “How would you feel in that same situation?”
  • “Why do you think they feel that way?”

Model Problem-Solving Skills as the Teacher

When you are faced with a problem you can solve the problem by thinking aloud for the students to hear how you solve a problem.

You can state the problem, then come up with possible solutions, then identify the possible consequences to each solution, then pick and explain why a solution is the best option.

For example, you could say, “I was hoping to take the class outside for a stress walk around the track before the reading test, but the problem is that it is raining outside. I could still take you outside, but then you will get wet, or we could walk the halls, but then we’d have to be really quiet because there are other classes learning, or we could just skip the walk and take the reading test, but then you might not do as well on the test. I think based on all of those solutions the best solution will be to walk the hallway, but you guys will have to promise to be quiet so that we don’t disrupt other classes.

Modeling the problem-solving process can be very helpful for the students to watch, observe, and later implement themselves.

Teach Communication

Have students communicate how they are feeling.

Teaching your students to share their emotions in a respectful way can improve their ability to problem-solve.

Have students use an “I” sentence frame, such as, “I feel _____ (insert feeling word) when _____ (identify what made you feel that way).”

For example, “I felt sad when Jackson broke my favorite pencil” or “I was mad when I wasn’t picked to be first in line.”

This way students can communicate how they are feeling using honest and open communication. Teaching students to appropriately communicate their emotions can help solve some social problems from the beginning.

Encourage Independency

Encourage your student to problem solve.

If your student is struggling to problem solve independently encourage them to do so using open-ended questions.

  • “How could you fix this problem?”
  • “What would be a fair solution?”
  • “What would happen if you used that solution?”

Let the Student try to Problem Solve Independently

Give your students the space to try and solve their own problems using the guided strategies. Try not to come running to their rescue for every little problem.

Some problems are small and a great opportunity for the student to learn and practice. If an adult does all of the problem solving for a student then what are they really learning?

Give your students the time and space they need to practice solving small problems on their own. Of course, if it is a bigger or more serious problem then have an adult help guide the problem-solving process.

Tell an Adult

Remind your students that there are still some problems that are too big for them to solve on their own and that it is okay to get help from an adult to solve big problems.

For example, if the student doesn’t feel safe, someone is being hurt physically or emotionally, or if they tried to solve a problem independently but it didn’t work and they need help. Let them know that it’s okay to tell an adult.

Teach How to Disagree and How to Make Up

Discuss how to disagree respectfully.

Remind your student that they won’t always agree with their teacher, friends, classmate, or parents and that’s okay. Even the people we like might have different opinions, interests, and likes than we do.

However, even if we disagree with someone we should still treat them with respect. Treating someone with respect means to not call them names, ignore them, yell or hit them. It means that you do try to create solutions that both parties can agree with and to apologize when we hurt others’ feelings.

Role-Play How to Make Up

Practice in everyday life how to make up after a social problem .

Students are really having to stretch their brains today. It's @NSPCC #NumberDay and @problemsolveit are challenging Y9 and 10 to solve the escape room boxes. It's not as easy as it looks! The promise of a few sweet treats for the winners seems to be helping though! pic.twitter.com/AxRRJnJIv2 — CongletonHS (@CongletonHS) February 2, 2018

Be sure to get your free social problem solver today below! I hope you and your students love this freebie.

Have your students use task card scenarios to help them identify how they and others might feel in different social scenarios. Be sure to discuss the problem, identify possible solutions, identify the consequences of those possible solutions, and then based on those consequences pick the best solution.

Make social problem-solving a game by telling the students that they are social detectives and that it is their job to use what they know about social rules to help them identify the possible and best solutions.

Start practicing today with 71+ free social problem social task cards! Do your students need more practice?

Be sure to check out my other freebie for 31 wordless animated videos to teach problem-solving and so much more.

Make Problem Solving Easier with this Freebie!

Download yours today to get started.

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Get More Problem Solving Time Saving Materials

Next, be sure to check out the following time-saving materials to continue to teach your students how to solve their social problems in addition to this freebie.

Weekly Social Pragmatics Homework

Social Pragmatics Homework

  • Weekly problem-solving.   Send home a  weekly homework page  that includes a problem-solving scenario plus an idiom and a conversational practice scenario.

Weekly Social Pragmatics

Restorative Justice Problem Solving Flip Book

Restorative Justice

  • Restorative justice graphic visual.  Use this graphic visual to help your student  restore a social relationship  after a social problem.

restorative justice

Self-Advocating Role-Play Scenarios

Self Advocating

  • Self-advocating in high school.  Teach your high schoolers the process to  self-advocate  for what they need.

Self Advocating Practice

5th-12th Grade Life Skills Problem Solving

Life Skills Social Skills

  • Life skills problem-solving.  In addition, this  life skills differentiated bundle  includes a problem-solving lesson plan.

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

I recommend you read Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems , 61+ Free Fillable SLP Planner Pages 2020-2021 , 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle , or 432+ Free IEP Goal Bank to Save You Time posts because they include freebies as well and who doesn’t want more freebies!

Got questions? Leave a comment. Let’s chat!

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hello! I have entered my name and email twice (yesterday & today) to receive to 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Senarios, but I have not received anything yet. Not even an email back to mine in order to subcribe. Thanks for your help! Tracy

Melissa Berg

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Hi Tracy, Thanks so much for reaching out! Sorry about that. We went ahead and sent you an email with the PDF attached. Wishing you all my best, Melissa

Problem Solving Skills

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

I truly love your site. Excellent colors, theme and writing. Thanks for sharing.

Laura Ricca

Monday 11th of April 2022

Tuesday 12th of April 2022

Hi Laura, I'm glad you found this resource helpful. Melissa

Modified Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 11th of May 2020

[…] 71+ FREE SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING SCENARIOS […]

Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 4th of May 2020

[…] 71+ Free Social Problem Solving Task Cards Scenarios […]

404 Not found

Global Speech Therapy

These 100 problem-solving scenarios present real-life problems that clients must navigate at school and home. Have the client discuss what they would do if…

OptimistMinds

Clinical psychology

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Feeding and eating disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Neuro-developmental disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Affirmations
  • Cover Letters
  • Relationships
  • Resignation & Leave letters

Psychotherapy

Personality.

Table of Contents

Problem Solving Activities for Adults Speech Therapy

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

This blog will highlight the problem solving questions and exercises that are most commonly used in Adult Speech Therapy. It will also explore the rationale and process of Speech Therapy, what problem solving entails and how it fits into the practise of speech therapy. 

The various possible problem solving approaches that can be used within adult speech therapy would be discussed in detail, along with a brief into speech therapy and it’s need for adults. The blog will also list other approaches that can be used within the domain of speech therapy apart from problem solving. 

What Is Speech Therapy?

Human wings are social animals that are able to function within their environment through effective communication. Communication, whether the form of speech or written word enables individuals to express and understand each other, it helps them in forming and sustaining relationships with other people. 

Understanding what people are saying and responding to them through effective communication channels is an essential part of being a human, it almost comes as second nature to individuals. Although such is not the case for individuals battling speech and communication disorders. For such people, speech therapy may prove to be an essential tool. 

Speech therapy is a psychological intervention that seeks to improve an individual’s ability to understand and produce language. It can help in better comprehension and expression of both verbal and non-verbal language. Speech therapy can also be called speech language therapy, and it helps build communication skills in people. This kind of therapy provides successful support and treatment to individuals with speech problems and communication disorders. 

Do Adults Need Speech Therapy?

It is a very common misconception that speech therapy can only serve as useful for children with speech and communication disorders. While speech therapy can help direct children’s language development onto the right path, it’s applications do not end there. Speech therapy can be extremely useful even in the case of adults with long-drawn or newly acquired speech problems. 

Adults may seek out speech therapists for a variety of reasons, ranging from regaining communications skills and confidence after trauma or injury or to simply improve on public speaking skills. 

Some of the most common reasons for adults to seek out speech therapy can be:

  • Stuttering: stuttering is a speech issue wherein a person has a hard time pronouncing certain sounds. It can cause people to either repeat their words or stretch them out. This condition may become exaggerated due to stress and can also be influenced by the person’s feelings. 
  • Swallowing Issues: Individuals with diseases such as cancer of the jaw, lips, mouth or tongue, and people with neurological issues can develop issues with speech production and clear expression of verbal content. When there are physical problems such as these, a speech therapist may help clients in regaining lost speech functions or to work around them and find alternative routes. 
  • Trauma and Speech Reception: Speech therapy is not limited to speech production, it can also aid in better comprehension and speech reception. Trauma or accidents are likely to interfere with how people process and understand spoken content; they may face difficulties in focusing attention, understanding what others are saying or retaining information they have received. Speech therapy can also help with developing these skills and improving speech reception. 
  • Cognitive Disorders or Aphasia: Aphasia is a common communicative disorder which interferes with a person’s ability to clearly speak or understand others. It is often acquired as a result of illness or injury. An individual could also require speech therapy if they have a cognitive-communication disorder, which means that the parts of their brain responsible for speech production are facing problems. 

What Happens in Adult Speech Therapy?

A Speech and Language Pathologist is likely to use various techniques as part of adult speech therapy. These can involve:

  • Breathing exercises: A speech therapist can use breathing exercises to help people with resonance issues.
  • Mouth exercises: Mouth exercises in speech therapy can be a suitable way to strengthen the oral muscle which help control and improve communication.
  • Social communication: Speech pathologists could also make use of problem-solving, memory activities, and conversation exercises to improve communication.
  • Swallowing exercises: Organic illnesses, like Parkinson’s disease, oral cancer, or a stroke, may cause swallowing difficulties which can also affect clear speech. A speech therapist can use swallowing exercises to help a person resolve and better deal with these issues. 

What is Problem Solving In Speech Therapy?

Before understanding how problem solving fits into speech therapy, it is important to review what problem solving means. The term problem solving essentially highlights the mental processes that people use to identify, understand, analyse and overcome problems. It is a multi-step, goal-directed behaviour aimed at overcoming a mental or physical obstacle. 

The problem solving process starts with defining a problem. This step usually involves the diagnosis of a situation to collect facts and information for later processing.  While a person is attempting to define a problem, they take in information from various sources and try to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between various factors involved in the situation. After a problem situation is successfully conceptualised, people try to look for alternatives solutions that may bring about a resolution. As various solutions are found and evaluated for usefulness, the final stage of problem solving is reached, which is implementation of the shortlisted solution. After scouring through dozens of possible solutions to a particular problem, an individual narrows down on the most feasible option and seeks to implement it as a final solution to the situation. 

Within the domain of speech therapy, problem solving exercises, or activities that involve the use of memory systems, organisation and decision making behaviours are most commonly used to treat cognitive communication disorders. Such disorders can affect the way in which people produce or comprehend speech, and they can be a result of either injury or illness. 

Adopting a problem solving approach with respect to communication disorders can help adults in adapting to undesirable situations that arise throughout their days. It can even help them gain a better understanding of their speech problems and come to terms with it. Once people are able to comprehend their issues, they will be better equipped to deal with the problems and take steps to improve their situation as suggested by their speech therapists. Problem solving exercises within speech therapy also help in building a person’s confidence and their capabilities for social interaction; which in turn would have benefits for their personal and professional relationships. 

Problem Solving Activities In Adult Speech Therapy

Some of the commonly practised problem solving activities within adult speech therapy are:

  • Tongue Exercises: The first step in re-training oneself to practise correct speech patterns should be to gain better control over the tongue. Moving and exercising is an essential part of speech therapy. Tongue training exercises can help the mouth to move easily in coordinated patterns which can greatly improve the quality of speech production. 
  • Expression Game: Standing in front of a mirror and practising a list of expressions is also a great cognitive exercise within speech therapy. Reading a list of expressions and then attempting to recreate them in the mirror provides the rain with essential feedback. This stimulates the brain and allows individuals to observe their progression real time. Not only this, it can also help in strengthening the muscles in a person’s face and mouth. 
  • Reading and Sentence Production: Patients with organic speech disturbances like apraxia can benefit from reading activities. Reading small passages and repeating them out loud can help such patients to strengthen their lip and tongue muscles. A speech therapist may start off by asking them to practice one or two sentences initially for short periods of time, and gradually increase theory timings and workload.  
  • Word Games: Word games either through the use of computers or with people around oneself can prove to be a great way to exercise the brain’s speech and language centers. These games can either rely on quick production or quick comprehension and repetition of speech. They force individuals to pay and sustain attention, and make use of their speech centers. 
  • Computer Games: Computer games like solitaire or alchemy are sometimes also used with speech therapy clients. Although these games do not rely on active production of speech, they can still help exercise the cognitive-linguistic pathways because the brain’s language processing skills are still being actively used. 
  • Counting Syllables: When working with a speech therapist, a client may be asked to speak various words to the therapist while the therapist does the same. When one person finishes saying a word, the other’s role is to guess how many syllables are there in the word. As a client and therapist both say words and provide each other with feedback, the individual showing up for speech therapy learns to identify and break down words for better speech comprehension and also makes improvements in the production of speech. 
  • Special Focus Games: Sometimes clients may face extreme difficulties in pronouncing certain words or sounds. In such cases they are encouraged to pair the problem consonants with all the five vowels and to practice the sounds they make over and over. 
  • Role-Play Conversations: Sometimes speech therapists may engage in role-plays with clients to enable them to slowly ease back into communicating and regain the verbal skills and confidence required to form and maintain personal and professional relationships. 
  • Speech Exercises through apps: With the advent of technology, there are various speech problem solving mobile and internet applications available today. These applications come with unique plans and exercises that can be tailored to a client’s specific problems. Apps can also be used to assess an individual’s problems areas which can help both the therapist and the person concerned to understand where they are lacking and what they need support with. 

How Can Problem Solving In Speech Therapy Help Adults? 

The various ways in which speech language pathologists can utilise problem solving exercises within speech therapy are:

  • Using cognitive exercises to help recovery after strokes
  • Using breathing, mouth and tongue exercises to provide comfort from swallowing difficulties
  • Using conversational exercises that stimulate the brain to help repair communication between friends and family 
  • Improving the clarity of spoken language by working on speech production and pronunciation
  • Using cognitive exercises to create a strong link between language comprehension and production centres of the brain
  • Improving brain plasticity through various cognitive problem solving exercises that help individuals gain new skills in speech development 

Is Speech Therapy The Only Option For People With Speech Disturbances?

Sometimes, people who have been diagnosed with speech production or comprehension issues may not be able to benefit from speech therapy. This could be because speech therapy is unable to target their problem areas or other therapeutic factors beyond the control  of the individual or therapist. Sometimes speech therapy alone may not be able to cater to the problems of an individual. There are various approaches that can be applied in the care of such individuals, like: 

  • Music Therapy: Musical activities can  be used to facilitate speech recognition and processing in adults that have suffered traumatic brain injuries or brain damage due to illness. These exercises can strengthen language processing, communication and social skills. 
  • Neurofeedack: Neurofeedback makes use of sensors attached to a client’s scalp which provides them with realtime information about their physical states. by receiving constant information about brain processes and physical arousal, an individual can learn to manage these states better. 

In this blog we discussed the applications of problem solving exercises within the domain of speech therapy – what exactly is speech therapy, what is meant by problem solving and problem solving exercises, what these exercises entail and how exactly they help in speech therapy. Other applications and the most commonly used problem solving exercises were described in detail, along with alternatives to replace them in special cases. The process and scope of speech therapy was also explored to understand how the process unfolds and helps treat speech disturbances. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Problem Solving Questions for Adults Speech Therapy

What exactly is speech therapy.

When children or adults have speech problems that prevent them from clearly using verbal language and communicating effectively with people around them, they can seek speech therapy to get help for their issues. Speech therapy is a form of psychological treatment that helps people to coordinate mouth movements to be able to etter produce certain sounds, address articulation, fluency, language comprehension and production. It can also help improve the understanding and expression of language. 

How do you know if a person needs speech therapy?

A person may need speech therapy if they suffer from problems such as stammering or stuttering, if they are unable to produce or understand certain sounds and words or if they are unable to use verbal and body language appropriately in social situations. Speech therapy may also be needed in cases where people are unable to comprehend verbal cues from the people around them, in such cases speech therapists can help aid the language comprehension of individuals. Speech therapy can also be used with individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or are unable to communicate effectively due to brain cognitive or neurodegenerative disorders. 

What do speech therapists do?

The first and foremost task of speech therapists is always to identify speech and language pathologies in their patients. This can be done by giving people certain exercises that can help highlight their problem areas and help a therapist gain better understanding of their issues. After identification and isolation of the problem, speech therapists work on targeting these areas and giving the client exercises that will help improve their condition. Apart from carrying out interventions, speech therapists also act as a constant source of motivation and support for their clients, urging them and giving them the warmth and understanding needed to continue working on their problems. 

How does speech therapy last for adults?

Adults are not as malleable as children, they are more set in their ways and have ingrained methods of understanding and producing language. In order to bring about a change in how an individual understands and communicates veral content a speech therapist needs longer times as compared to children. Speech therapy with adults also includes providing constant support and encouragement to keep the client motivated towards the final goal of speech therapy. This can become an intensive and time-consuming process that might spread across months. In case of injuries or brain disorders, the severity and prognosis of the conditions is also likely to influence the length of therapy.

References:

Bedell, J. R., & Lennox, S. S. (1997). Handbook for Communication and problem-solving skills training: A cognitive-behavioral approach . Wiley.

Belsky, G. (2021, May 24). What is speech therapy? Understood. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.understood.org/articles/en/what-you-need-to-know-about-speech-therapy.

MEDIAmaker. (2020). Cognitive communication difficulties . Headway. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/effects-of-brain-injury/communication-problems/cognitive-communication-difficulties/.

Rowden, A. (2021, January 5). Speech therapy: For adults, kids, and how it works . Medical News Today. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/speech-therapy#conditions.

Smith , B. (2014). What is speech therapy? Parents. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.parents.com/kids/development/learning-disabilities/what-is-speech-therapy/. 

Was this helpful?

Find hope and healing through online counseling on betterhelp.

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

At some point in our lives, we all face challenges that can feel overwhelming and difficult to overcome.

BetterHelp offers accessible, affordable, and confidential online counselling that can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate life’s ups and downs. Our licensed therapists specialize in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, relationships, and more, and can provide you with personalized therapy that fits your unique needs and circumstances.

Don’t struggle alone – sign up for BetterHelp today and start your journey towards healing and growth with the help of a compassionate and experienced therapist.

Related Posts

How to tell your therapist you want to take a break, betterhelp negative reviews, does talkspace take medicaid (+3 advantages).

Urgent Care

Problem Solving Activities For Adults Speech Therapy: Improve Communication

Skills and Cognitive Function

Are you an adult struggling with communication difficulties or cognitive impairments? Speech therapy can be a valuable tool in improving your quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of problem solving activities in speech therapy and how they can help you enhance your communication skills and cognitive function.

Why are problem solving activities important in speech therapy?

Problem solving activities are an essential component of speech therapy for adults. These activities help individuals develop and improve their communication skills by challenging their cognitive abilities. By engaging in problem solving tasks, adults can enhance their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Benefits of problem solving activities in speech therapy

  • Improved communication skills: Problem solving activities require individuals to think critically and communicate their thoughts effectively. By engaging in these activities, adults can enhance their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
  • Enhanced cognitive function: Problem solving activities stimulate the brain and promote cognitive function. These activities can improve memory, attention, and concentration, leading to better overall cognitive abilities.
  • Increased confidence: Successfully solving problems can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. By participating in problem solving activities, adults can gain a sense of accomplishment and feel more confident in their communication abilities.
  • Real-life application: Problem solving activities in speech therapy often simulate real-life situations. By practicing problem solving in a controlled environment, adults can transfer these skills to their daily lives and improve their ability to navigate various communication challenges.

Examples of problem solving activities for adults in speech therapy

  • Storytelling: Encourage adults to create and tell stories using specific vocabulary or themes. This activity promotes problem solving skills, as individuals need to organize their thoughts, structure their narratives, and communicate effectively.
  • Role-playing: Engage adults in role-playing scenarios that require problem solving and effective communication. For example, simulate a job interview or a social gathering where individuals need to navigate conversations and express themselves clearly.
  • Puzzle solving: Provide adults with puzzles or brain teasers that require problem solving skills. This activity challenges cognitive abilities and promotes critical thinking and communication.
  • Group discussions: Facilitate group discussions on various topics, encouraging adults to express their opinions, listen actively, and engage in problem solving as a team.

How can Statcare help?

At Statcare, we understand the importance of problem solving activities in speech therapy for adults. Our digital health platform offers comprehensive healthcare solutions that cater to the unique needs of each individual. Through our innovative technology and expert therapists, we provide cost-effective and superior quality multispecialty services to enhance communication skills and cognitive function.

Problem solving activities are a valuable tool in speech therapy for adults. By engaging in these activities, individuals can improve their communication skills, enhance cognitive function, and gain confidence in their abilities. If you're looking to enhance your quality of life and unlock your full potential, start incorporating problem solving activities into your speech therapy routine. Contact Statcare today to embark on your journey to improved communication and cognitive abilities.

1. How often should I engage in problem solving activities in speech

The frequency of problem solving activities in speech therapy may vary depending on individual needs and goals. It is best to consult with a speech therapist who can assess your specific requirements and recommend an appropriate schedule.

2. Can problem solving activities benefit adults with cognitive

impairments?

Yes, problem solving activities can be beneficial for adults with cognitive impairments. These activities can help stimulate the brain, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall communication abilities.

3. Are problem solving activities only for adults in speech therapy?

While problem solving activities are commonly used in speech therapy for adults, they can also be beneficial for individuals of all ages and in various therapeutic settings. These activities promote critical thinking, communication skills, and cognitive function.

4. How can I incorporate problem solving activities into my daily life?

You can incorporate problem solving activities into your daily life by practicing problem solving in various contexts. For example, you can solve puzzles, engage in critical thinking exercises, or participate in group discussions that require problem solving and effective communication.

5. What other services does Statcare offer?

Statcare offers a wide range of comprehensive healthcare solutions, including telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and personalized treatment plans. Our platform combines cutting-edge technology with expert care to deliver superior quality multispecialty services.

6. Is Statcare's digital health platform cost-effective?

Yes, Statcare's digital health platform is designed to be cost-effective while providing superior quality healthcare services. We prioritize affordability without compromising on the quality of care and support we offer.

7. How can I get started with Statcare?

To get started with Statcare, simply visit our website and explore our range of services. You can schedule a telehealth consultation or contact our team for more information on how we can help you improve your communication skills and cognitive function.

8. Does Statcare offer personalized treatment plans?

Yes, at Statcare, we believe in personalized care. Our expert therapists assess each individual's unique needs and goals to create personalized treatment plans that address their specific requirements. We tailor our services to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

9. Can Statcare help with other healthcare needs?

Yes, Statcare offers comprehensive healthcare solutions to address a wide range of needs. From speech therapy to remote monitoring and personalized treatment plans, our platform caters to various healthcare requirements.

10. Is Statcare covered by insurance?

Statcare works with various insurance providers to ensure our services are accessible to as many individuals as possible. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to determine your coverage and eligibility for our services.

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.

  • https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/urgent-care/
  • https://urgentcareassociation.org/

Discover the power of problem solving activities in speech therapy and unlock your full potential. Start your journey to improved communication skills and cognitive function today!

Let us help you today.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. It may not be accurate, complete, or up-to-date and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or other professional advice. Any actions or decisions taken based on this information are the sole responsibility of the user. Statcare expressly disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, or harm that may result from reliance on this information. Please note that this article may contain affiliate endorsements and advertisements. The inclusion of such does not indicate an endorsement or approval of the products or services linked. Statcare does not accept responsibility for the content, accuracy, or opinions expressed on any linked website. When you engage with these links and decide to make a purchase, we may receive a percentage of the sale. This affiliate commission does not influence the price you pay, and we disclaim any responsibility for the products or services you purchase through these links.

The Functional Toolbox posts explore how we could use functional, real-life items in speech therapy, to exercise language or cognitive skills, or practice strategies that improve function.  Some patients have a negative reaction to worksheets, so using functional, tangible items is another vehicle we can use to target patient-centered goals or strategies. 

Toolbox Item: Cookbook!

Food is central to community for many people: Talking about food, sharing recipes, or trying something new can be a source of joy! I worked with a woman this year who absolutely loved to cook, but could not fully participate due to brain cancer. She inspired me to use cookbooks or recipes as part of our session (see Sample Therapy Ideas below). In addition, we tailored her home program by having her find recipes, explain or recall instructions for cooking, pull out the ingredients for dinner, and explain family heirloom recipes to her daughter.

Person-Centered Care: Ask the person you are working with to think of or bring in their own recipe(s) or cookbook. Together you can use this as a vehicle to target skills or develop strategies to improve cognitive communication skills for success with participating with meals.

A little creativity or adaptation could help someone meet their goal to be involved in something they love! Here’s an example of a re-written recipe to make it easier for someone to read, comprehend, and pay attention to various steps:

_DSC1830

Sample Therapy Ideas:

I hope these ideas are useful or help you easily target a person-centered goal using a relevant topic! If you would like other ideas like this, please check out my  Home Sweet Home Series.

What else do you like to use in your “Functional Toolbox?”

My other Functional Toolbox Ideas include Garden Seed Packets  or a  Toolkit .

5 Responses

Wonderful!Thank you for your generosity!

You are so welcome! I am all for collaborating and working smarter not harder!

When first started in rehab asking patients to describe a recipe was one of my favorite go-to activities. Aside from all of the language goals it could address, it allowed for conversation about a personal and cultural aspect of their past. It never fails !

Sarah, this is a wonderful blog. I LOVE your ideas! I am an SLP with 19 yrs of experience, and I worked with outpatients with stroke & TBI for many years. After a few years in an LTACH, which I loved, I will be back into inpatient and outpatient rehab. I always loved using cookbooks in therapy. I have a few ideas for your Functional Toolbox. Using the daily newspaper was a huge favorite of mine- so many functional activities can be done from just one. I have also recently talked with a coworker and we discussed having a suitcase containing clothing appropriate for different climates, giving the patient instructions on having to plan for a vacation with a specific climate, and deciding what to pack. (I love planning vacations as a functional task!) We also discussed incorporating recycling and having the patient sort items. Looking forward to see what else you will come up with, and definitely going to use many of your wonderful ideas- thank you!

Hi Renee! Thanks for the comments! I love those ideas! I have a suitcase task started for a Functional Toolbox post, look for that in the next few months! I like the recycling idea also! Best of luck in your job transition and thank you for sharing!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join Pilot Waitlist

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Home » Blog » General » Speech Therapy Strategies for Effective Problem Solving

Post Image

Speech Therapy Strategies for Effective Problem Solving

Welcome to my blog! In today’s post, we will be discussing the importance of problem-solving skills in social-emotional development and how speech therapy can enhance these abilities. Problem-solving is a crucial skill that allows individuals to navigate challenges and find effective solutions. By addressing speech and language difficulties, we can empower individuals to become confident problem solvers. Let’s dive in!

I. Introduction

A. importance of problem-solving skills in social-emotional development.

Problem-solving skills play a vital role in social-emotional development. They enable individuals to navigate interpersonal conflicts, make informed decisions, and manage emotions effectively. By developing these skills, individuals can build resilience and adaptability, leading to improved overall well-being.

B. Role of speech therapy in enhancing problem-solving abilities

Speech therapy is an invaluable resource for individuals who struggle with communication and language skills. Through targeted interventions, speech therapists can help individuals develop the necessary skills to become effective problem solvers. By addressing language and social communication difficulties, speech therapy equips individuals with the tools they need to navigate complex social situations and solve problems effectively.

II. Understanding the Basics of Problem Solving

A. definition of problem solving.

Problem solving is the process of identifying, analyzing, and finding solutions to challenges or obstacles. It involves a series of steps that enable individuals to approach problems systematically and make informed decisions.

B. Components of effective problem solving

Effective problem solving consists of several key components:

  • Identifying the problem: Recognizing and defining the issue at hand.
  • Generating possible solutions: Brainstorming and considering different options.
  • Evaluating and selecting the best solution: Assessing the pros and cons of each option and choosing the most appropriate one.
  • Implementing the chosen solution: Putting the selected solution into action.
  • Reflecting on the outcome: Assessing the effectiveness of the chosen solution and making adjustments if necessary.

III. Speech Therapy Strategies for Enhancing Problem Solving Skills

Speech therapy offers a range of strategies to enhance problem-solving skills. Let’s explore some of these strategies:

A. Developing Language and Communication Skills

  • Building vocabulary and expressive language abilities: Expanding an individual’s vocabulary and helping them express their thoughts and ideas clearly.
  • Improving receptive language skills for better understanding: Enhancing an individual’s ability to comprehend and interpret verbal and non-verbal cues.
  • Enhancing verbal reasoning and critical thinking abilities: Promoting logical thinking and the ability to analyze information effectively.

B. Promoting Social Skills and Perspective-Taking

  • Teaching active listening and empathy: Helping individuals develop active listening skills and understand others’ perspectives.
  • Encouraging perspective-taking and understanding different viewpoints: Fostering the ability to consider multiple perspectives when problem solving.
  • Facilitating effective communication and negotiation skills: Equipping individuals with the tools to communicate their needs and collaborate with others to find solutions.

C. Fostering Executive Functioning Skills

  • Enhancing planning and organization abilities: Teaching individuals how to break down problems into manageable steps and create action plans.
  • Developing flexible thinking and problem-solving strategies: Encouraging individuals to think outside the box and explore alternative solutions.
  • Improving self-regulation and impulse control: Helping individuals manage their emotions and make thoughtful decisions.

D. Utilizing Visual Supports and Tools

  • Implementing visual schedules and task organizers: Providing visual aids to help individuals understand and follow a sequence of steps.
  • Using visual cues and prompts for problem-solving steps: Offering visual reminders of the problem-solving process.
  • Incorporating visual aids for understanding and expressing emotions: Using visual tools to help individuals recognize and communicate their emotions effectively.

IV. Collaborating with Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting the development of problem-solving skills. Here are some ways speech therapists can collaborate with them:

A. Providing education and resources on problem-solving strategies

Speech therapists can educate parents and caregivers about effective problem-solving strategies and provide resources to reinforce these skills at home.

B. Encouraging consistent practice and reinforcement at home

Consistent practice is key to developing problem-solving skills. Speech therapists can encourage parents and caregivers to incorporate problem-solving activities into daily routines.

C. Establishing open communication channels for progress updates

Open communication between speech therapists, parents, and caregivers allows for progress updates and ensures that everyone is working together to support the individual’s problem-solving development.

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, problem-solving skills are essential for social-emotional development, and speech therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing these abilities. By addressing language and communication difficulties, speech therapists empower individuals to become confident problem solvers. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem-solving skills, I encourage you to seek professional help and support. Start your EverydaySpeech Free trial today and embark on a journey towards effective problem solving!

Post Image

Related Blog Posts:

Pragmatic language: enhancing social skills for meaningful interactions.

Pragmatic Language: Enhancing Social Skills for Meaningful Interactions Pragmatic Language: Enhancing Social Skills for Meaningful Interactions Introduction: Social skills play a crucial role in our daily interactions. They enable us to navigate social situations,...

Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12

Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12 Key Takeaways Strong social communication skills are crucial for academic success and building meaningful relationships in Grade 12. Social communication includes verbal and non-verbal communication,...

Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12 Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12 As students enter Grade 12, they are on the cusp of adulthood and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. While academic success...

Share on facebook

FREE MATERIALS

Better doesn’t have to be harder, social skills lessons students actually enjoy.

Be the best educator you can be with no extra prep time needed. Sign up to get access to free samples from the best Social Skills and Social-Emotional educational platform.

Get Started Instantly for Free

Complete guided therapy.

The subscription associated with this email has been cancelled and is no longer active. To reactivate your subscription, please log in.

If you would like to make changes to your account, please log in using the button below and navigate to the settings page. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using the button below.

Unfortunately it looks like we’re not able to create your subscription at this time. Please contact support to have the issue resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience. Error: Web signup - customer email already exists

Welcome back! The subscription associated with this email was previously cancelled, but don’t fret! We make it easy to reactivate your subscription and pick up right where you left off. Note that subscription reactivations aren't eligible for free trials, but your purchase is protected by a 30 day money back guarantee. Let us know anytime within 30 days if you aren’t satisfied and we'll send you a full refund, no questions asked. Please press ‘Continue’ to enter your payment details and reactivate your subscription

Notice About Our SEL Curriculum

Our SEL Curriculum is currently in a soft product launch stage and is only available by Site License. A Site License is currently defined as a school-building minimum or a minimum cost of $3,000 for the first year of use. Individual SEL Curriculum licenses are not currently available based on the current version of this product.

By clicking continue below, you understand that access to our SEL curriculum is currently limited to the terms above.

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Medical SLPs

  • $ 0.00 0 items
  • Problem Solving

Speech therapy materials with problem solving tasks.

Showing all 17 results

Expanding Utterances RET cover

Expanding Utterances Using Response Elaboration Training

Kearns, K.P. (1985). Response elaboration training for patient initiated utterances. Clinical Aphasiology, 15, 196-204.

Gaddie, A, Kearns, K.P., & Yedor, K. (1991). A qualitative analysis of response elaboration training effects. Clinical Aphasiology, 19, 171-183.

problem solving task cards

Functional Problem Solving Cards

This PDF contains 288 real-world task cards (with photos and illustrations) that can be used to target problem solving, reasoning, safety awareness, and more.

Sample prompts and goals are also included.

activities speech therapy rehab discharge home

Functional Activities Bundle: Rehab Discharge to Home

This packet was created to promote recovery of cognitive-linguistic deficits for individuals returning home or to an assisted/independent living facility. Use of functional real-world tasks in therapy helps generalize skills learned to everyday situations. Functional therapy is based on a patient-centered approach and it is important to consider your clients’ day-to-day responsibilities. This packet includes a case history form, functional activities, practice ideas, and compensatory strategies. To improve functionality and promote independence, modify materials based on individual needs and use real materials/scenarios when possible.

Sections include: goal writing examples, home practice and ADL activities, 60 + high-quality colored images, and an additional 20 ideas for real-world practice.

cognitive speech language assessment evaluation

Cognitive Speech-Language Inventory

The Cognitive Speech-Language Inventory (C.S-L.I) is designed to assess cognitive-communication skills and speech-language abilities. This tool can be used to help rapidly plug-in client data into current medical information systems. Speech-language therapists and professionals may use this assessment tool in its entirety or complete subsections based on client abilities and cognitive-communication needs. This assessment may guide professionals in identifying need for further testing within specific domains or may be used independently to generate real-world functional goals for speech therapy. Although this evaluation was generated and has been tested by medical SLPs in sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing settings, no standardized data has been collected.

C.S-L.I Sections:

Receptive Language

  • Verbal ID Level
  • Yes/No Questions
  • Following Directions
  • Open Ended Questions
  • Conversation
  • Comprehension Level
  • Signs/Symbols

Expressive Language

  • Automatic Speech
  • Naming Objects
  • Responsive Naming
  • Making Needs Known
  • Speech Characteristics
  • Expression Level
  • Pragmatic Skills
  • Alternating
  • Orientation
  • Memory – Short & Long Term
  • Thought Organization

Motor Speech

  • Articulation
  • Intelligibility
  • Sustained Phonation

functional ltc snf

Functional Materials for Long-Term Care

The  Functional Speech Therapy for Long-Term Care Bundle   includes materials and resources for new and experienced clinicians working in long-term care settings  (i.e., Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living SNF/ALF/LTC, etc.).  Filled with educational handouts, screening tools, and practical no-prep treatment activities.

  • SLP Intake Form
  • Screening Forms

Functional Reading

  • Activity Calendar
  • Appointments/Schedules
  • Weather Forecast
  • Television Guide
  • Community Signs

Memory/Orientation

  • Interventions
  • Memory Strategies
  • Names and Faces
  • Memory Book Template/Orientation Log

Problem Solving/Reasoning/Safety Awareness

  • Picture Scenes
  • Calculations/Time Management
  • Safety Signs

Word Retrieval

  • Naming Everyday Objects
  • Naming from Description
  • Divergent Naming

flash cards

Picture Flashcards

Print pages front and back to easily create flashcards for your therapy.

Wernickes aphasia

Handout: Wernicke’s Aphasia

Printable caregiver handout for patient families and around your workplace.

functional-reading-grocery-store

Functional Reading Activities: Groceries

60 pages of functional reading activities including organization tasks to target speech-language goals.

Food organization tasks

Organization Tasks: Food Storage

12 pages of activities and tasks that target organization skills through everyday tasks, such as putting groceries away. Practice identifying where items belong in the kitchen (e.g. fridge, freezer, pantry, etc) for functional speech therapy.

Also included in: Functional Reading Therapy: Groceries materials

aac communication board

AAC Communication Board

Free AAC communication board. Contains printable and high-quality images.

automatic speech tasks

Automatic Speech Routines

Includes automatic speech routines such as:

  • Days of the Week
  • Months of the Year
  • Familiar Songs
  • Pledges and Prayers

aphasia worksheets

Aphasia Therapy Workbook

The Aphasia Therapy Bundle includes 350+ pages of printable activities, educational handouts, documentation examples, and more. Includes worksheets for receptive language, expressive language, written language. This bundle may provide helpful resources, treatment materials, and home practice for patients with aphasia. Each section provides ideas for treatment, sample goals, and cueing examples. Manipulate materials and personalize for your clients to promote individualized speech and language therapy.

Table of Contents

  • What is Aphasia?
  • Impacted Language Domains
  • Caregiver Communication Tips
  • Word Finding Strategies
  • Section 2. Expression
  • Gestures & Nonverbal Language
  • Automatic Sequences
  • Functional Phrases – Completion, Script Training, MIT
  • Everyday Object Flashcards
  • Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA)
  • Responsive, Divergent, and Generative Naming
  • Symbols and AAC Communication Board
  • Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST)
  • Expanding Utterances
  • Section 3. Comprehension 
  • Cueing Strategies
  • Object Identification and Discrimination
  • Following 1-Step Commands
  • Word to Picture Matching
  • Sentence Comprehension
  • Paragraph Comprehension
  • Functional Reading Comprehension – menus, notes, cards, labels, weather
  • Section 4. Writing
  • Numbers & Alphabet
  • Words & Sentences
  • Filling in Forms
  • Section 5. References and Terms of Use

functional speech therapy

Functional Speech Therapy Materials Bundle

The Functional Therapy Materials Bundle includes 350+ pages of functional activities and printable resources that target real world cognitive-linguistic skills.

Included in this bundle: 

  • Client Intake Questionnaire
  • Advertisements/Coupons
  • Appointments
  • Filling out Forms
  • Associative Naming
  • Confrontational Naming
  • Picture Flashcards – with prompts
  • Features and Functions
  • Divergent/Generative Naming
  • Food Storage
  • Recipes and Ingredients
  • Scheduling – daily, monthly, yearly routines
  • Orientation – days, months, holidays
  • Medication – management
  • Calculating Coins
  • Balancing a Register
  • Sustaining Attention

Semantic feature analysis sfa chart

Semantic Feature Analysis (Sample)

27 pages. Use this free PDF download to target word retrieval using evidenced-based practice.

memory and orientation

Printable Memory and Orientation Book

This memory bundle includes a memory book template, interventions, compensatory strategies, and therapeutic activities that target goals of memory, attention, and orientation skills. It also includes educational handouts and printable safety signs.

cognitive communication evaluation

Cognitive Communication Assessment

The Cognitive Communication Assessment created by Medical SLPs is a quick and easy to administer tool for speech therapists working in the medical setting. With a more functional approach to evaluation, this assessment tool can be used to develop individualized therapy programs and help therapists create functional goals for their clients. Administration materials included: patient intake form, record form, and stimulus booklet. Note: This is an informal assessment and has not been standardized.

Table of Contents 

 I. Intake Form

i. HPI, PLOF, Daily Routines, Cognitive Demands, Discharge Planning

ii. MDS Coding – For Skilled Nursing Facilities only

 II. Auditory Comprehension

i. Pointing/Body Parts

ii. Yes/No Questions

iii. Following Commands

iv. Understanding Conversation

 III. Verbal Expression

i. Automatics

ii. Phrase Completion

iii. Repetition

iv. Confrontational Naming

v. Divergent Naming

vi. Responsive Naming

vii. Convergent Naming

viii. Object Description

ix. Sentence Formulation

IV. Written Expression

i. Confrontational Naming

ii. Personal Information

iii. Functional Messages and Taking Notes

iv. Clock Drawing

V. Reading Comprehension

i. Reading Ability/Recognition

ii. Words-Phrases Matching

iii. Paragraph Comprehension

iv. Functional Reading – Menu

VI. Cognition

i. Attention

ii. Immediate Recall and Recent Memory

iii. Distant Memory

iv. Making Change and Calculating Coins

v. Functional Calculations

vi. Problem Solving/Safety

vii. Sequencing and Organization

viii. Balancing Checkbook and Writing a Check

word retrieval

Word Retrieval Worksheets Bundle

The  Functional Word Retrieval Bundle  includes printable speech therapy activities, compensatory strategies, functional goals, cueing examples, and much more.

  • Using Gestures to Communicate
  • Identification and Comprehension
  • Alphabet and Numbers
  • Days, Months, Seasons
  • Greetings and Common Sayings
  • Familiar Sequences
  • Social Greetings and Songs
  • Functional Phrase Completion
  • Templates and Personalized Scripts
  • Conversational Topic Ideas
  • Sample Phrases with Visual Cue Cards
  • Symbols and Photographs of Everyday Objects
  • Semantic Feature Analysis
  • Synonyms/Antonyms
  • Object Description
  • Word Deduction
  • Naming by Letter
  • Activities and Worksheets (45)
  • Courses (3)
  • Evaluations (5)
  • Gift Cards and Misc. (5)
  • Handouts (13)
  • Speech Therapy Materials (67)
  • Study Guides (4)

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Eat Speak & Think logo

An SLP writes about swallowing, communication, and cognition

  • Browse by topic
  • Eat (swallowing)
  • Speak (communication)

Think (cognition)

  • Being an SLP
  • Continuing Education

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

10 practical cognitive therapy activities

I’m sharing 10 practical cognitive therapy activities that I’ve done with my patients recently, with suggested SMART goals. Details have been changed to protect privacy.

Free DIRECT download: 17 SMART cognitive goals (cheat sheet). ( Email subscribers  get free access to all the resources in the  Free Subscription Library .)

  • Sample goals .
  • Sample goal .
  • Related Eat, Speak, & Think posts .
  • Your cognitive therapy activities .

Scheduling appointments

One patient I worked with was having trouble scheduling appointments.

  • Disorganized
  • Not taking notes during the phone call.
  • Waiting too long before adding the information to her calendar.
  • Using a monthly calendar with small boxes.
  • Messy and hard to read.

I recommended that she get a planner, which her daughter picked up. I taught the strategies:

  • Have planner open to avoid double-booking.
  • Take notes during the phone call.
  • Read back the information to confirm details.
  • Write in planner immediately.

When I went in for the next couple of sessions, I looked at her planner to see if I could understand it. Then I asked her questions about it. And finally, I had her call and make a new appointment. I could have asked her to confirm an appointment if she didn’t need to make a new one.

I listened to her side of the conversation to make sure she was gathering the correct information and confirming it, then watched as she wrote the information in the book.

That was all she needed. She was independently making and keeping track of her own appointments accurately when I discharged her.

return to top

Sample goals

Patient will demonstrate:

  • Ability to add new appointments to personal planner with 90% accuracy independently to improve ability to manage own schedule by 12.31.19.
  • Understanding of personal schedule by answering comprehension questions with 100% accuracy independently to improve ability to participate in desired activities by 12.31.19.

Organizing information

Another patient complained that calling doctors and the home health agency was a hassle. He had the phone numbers written down in various places, so it was an effort to find the information to make the calls.

He’d been using a smart phone for awhile, but his daughter had only entered family contacts. He was open to learning how to enter new contacts into his cell phone. So I spent about ten minutes during one session teaching that skill and guiding him to practice by adding a few home health and MD numbers.

At the next session, he told me that he tried adding another one on his own but got stuck. So I retaught that part and had him write down a reminder note about how to do that step.

At the following session, he had added more of his doctors and even included the addresses. He said that it made making phone calls really easy, and he wasn’t procrastinating anymore.

Patient will demonstrate ability to:

  • Add at least 5 new contacts to electronic contact book with 100% accuracy independently to improve organization of information for daily tasks by 12.31.19.
  • Make at least 3 phone calls using electronic contact book with 100% accuracy independently to improve ability to communicate with medical professionals in a timely manner by 12.31.19.

Daily writing to improve attention and memory

Another patient I worked with recently had pretty significant impairment of attention, memory, and executive function skills. She reported various problems which were frustrating to her:

  • Difficulty remembering strategies from PT and OT.
  • Trouble remembering recent conversations.
  • Not oriented to the day of week or the date.
  • No longer able to read for pleasure
  • Couldn’t sign her name (or write functionally).

One activity I started her on was to write in a notebook every day. In the beginning, she started off by copying the day of the week and the date with the help of her husband. And she signed her name over and over (the OT started that) as homework.

We built up to her writing the day of week and the date, copying her daily therapy schedule down, and then adding one of the strategies she was working on for each therapy.

On days when she didn’t have therapy, I had her write down a brief note about something that she did that day.

By the time I discharged her to outpatient therapy, she:

  • Could remember key recommendations from PT, OT, and ST.
  • Was oriented to time from memory.
  • Could sign her name.
  • Was remembering recent events without referring to her notes.
  • Could write short sentences (with errors).

Patient will:

  • be oriented to day of week, date, and time using visual supports as needed with 100% accuracy independently to improve daily function and reduce frustration by 12.31.19.
  • recall at least 3 recommendations from any therapy with 100% accuracy independently using visual supports as needed to improve safety and independence by 12.31.19.

Word finding

Another patient was having mild difficulty with word finding, which was very frustrating for her. I taught her Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA), which she learned how to do very quickly. I also taught her word finding strategies.

In therapy, we did a variety of word retrieval exercises for two reasons. First, to give her the opportunity to use the word finding strategies when she failed to retrieve a word. And second, to identify challenging exercises to assign for homework.

I also asked her to complete at least one SFA each day, ideally using a word that she really had trouble retrieving in her normal conversation.

She worked diligently, and when I discharged after six sessions she was independently using the strategies and was experiencing far fewer word retrieval failures (less than once a day).

  • ability to use at least 3 word finding strategies during moments of word finding failure on 4 of 5 opportunities to improve communication and reduce frustration by 12.31.19.
  • no more than one un-repaired word-finding failure during 30 minutes of conversation independently to demonstrate improved word-finding skills for conversation by 12.31.19.

Using YouTube for attention and memory

Another patient I worked with recently had left neglect, with general attention and memory deficits. His wife really wanted him to be able to focus on television and then be able to discuss what they watched. He was happy to work on anything that would help him.

I found a seven-minute TED talk, divided into three parts, that I knew he would enjoy.

The first time he watched it, he was very excited and talked during the video. After it was over, he said how much he liked the video but his comments were only tangentially-related. He couldn’t recall any specific details independently.

So I taught the strategies of paying attention and noticing the details. We then watched the time lapse section from 0:50 to 1:58 and I asked him to tell me what he could remember. He could not remember the four specific examples: the mushroom, the creeping vine, the air traffic, and the ship traffic.

We worked on remembering those four examples using WRAP: writing, repetition, association, and picturing it (visualization). By the end of the session, he was able to watch that part of the exciting video and then state the four examples. He worked on studying the video for homework, and we continued in this way.

By the end of therapy, he was able to recall at least eight specific details independently and several more when given a question prompt. Ideally, I would have had him watch a new video to see if his performance was improved, but we ran out of time with the reassessment and discharge.

Sample goal

  • demonstrate ability to recall at least 5 specific details from information recently heard or seen with 100 percent accuracy independently to improve ability to engage in leisure activities by 12.31.19.

Remembering spouse’s name after brain surgery

I treated a young man recently after brain surgery who was persistently calling his wife by his ex-wife’s name. As you can imagine, this was embarrassing for him even though his wife didn’t seem overly bothered by it.

In addition to treating general word-finding and memory deficits, we focused on her name. I taught the WRAP strategies of writing, repetition, association, and picturing (visualization).

Then I had him write her name 10 times which imagining her face and saying her name each time he wrote it. I suggested doing that every day until he wasn’t mixing the names up anymore. Finally, I helped him to find an association that would help trigger the word when he was in conversation with her.

This is a fictional example to preserve privacy, but the idea is the same. His wife’s name was Marla, and he created a little phrase “I’m married to Marla” that he would think when he saw her. This way, he was sure of her name and it reduced the anxiety of possibly mixing the names up in conversation.

We spent perhaps 10 minutes total in therapy on this issue. When I returned the following week, he reported that he was no longer mixing up the names and was no longer feeling stress about it.

Sample goals:

  • independently use recommended strategies to recall wife’s name in 9 of 10 opportunities by report or observation to reduce stress and embarrassment by 12.31.19.
  • demonstrate the use of at least 3 memory strategies for recalling preferred information with 100% accuracy independently to improve recall of important information by 12.31.19.

Basic executive function skills

I recently worked with a patient who was impaired in all areas of cognitive-communication. It seemed that working memory and executive function skills were impacting her the most.

Her specific complaints included:

  • Difficulty remembering and following directions.
  • Unable to complete basic reading and writing tasks.
  • Trouble maintaining the topic in conversation.
  • Difficulty remembering recent information.

We started off with functional activities: activities that she would do in the course of her normal day. Such as using the TV remote, maintaining a conversation, and sequencing the steps to get up from the wheelchair. I modified in various ways: simplifying, visual supports, written instructions, discussing and then doing (even down to the single step level), and modeling for imitation. I even tried spaced retrieval with errorless learning. However, I wasn’t seeing as much improvement as I’d have liked.

So we switched from these real-life activities to apps on her iPad. After trying some different things, we ended up using the iBrainH D app and Tactus Therapy’s Visual Attention and Writing apps .

We focused on learning and using strategies to slow down and improve accuracy, error detection, and error correction. For instance, I taught her to point to and/or verbalize each element, compare to the target, and double check her work.

This approach seemed to work better. When I discharge her to out-patient therapy, she had improved from a “severe” to a “mild” cognitive communication impairment per the CLQT+ . She was maintaining the topic of conversation at least 80% of the time, and she improved to only needing min assist with standing up from the wheelchair.

  • demonstrate understanding of at least two cognitive strategies by independently using them during functional activities in 4 of 5 opportunities to improve participation in daily tasks by 12.31.19.
  • maintain the topic of conversation for 3 turns in 4 of 5 opportunities to improve functional communication and reduce frustration by 12.31.19.
  • verbalize and demonstrate the correct sequence for safely standing up from the wheelchair with 100% accuracy across three trials to improve safety by 12.31.19.

Massed practice for visual neglect

Another person I worked with had left visual neglect. His main complaint was difficulty reading because he was missing information on the left. Although he was fully aware of his deficit and with the slightest cue would correct himself, he was not consistently using the strategy independently.

Neither a bright-colored guideline or a written reminder worked for him. He continued to require a verbal cue to use the strategies to detect information on the left.

One activity that we did that was helpful was to have him page through a catalog and report what was in the top left corner on each page. After several correct answers in a row, then I would introduce a distractor question and then have him turn the page. When this was easy, I made it harder by asking him to name the third thing down on the left side of each page.

In this way, he had multiple opportunities to practice his skills in a short period of time.

Sample goal:

  • locate the top left corner of reading material (e.g., paper, calendar, cell phone) using recommended strategy independently within 10 seconds in 9 of 10 opportunities across 3 sessions to improve functional reading by 12.31.19.

Remembering to use the call bell

A gentleman I’m working with in an assistive living facility has recently started wearing a bracelet with a call button. He’s supposed to use it to obtain assistance for the bathroom, but he’s been forgetting. In talking with him, I don’t get the sense that he is deliberately avoiding using it.

We’re using spaced retrieval with errorless learning to train the use of the call button.

  • Prompt question: “What should you do when you need to use the bathroom?”
  • Response: “Press the button and wait” and demonstrate.

We just started this past week, and I’d guess it would take another week or so to take effect (if it will help). While spaced retrieval with errorless learning doesn’t work for everyone, I’ve had many good successes with it.

  • independently verbalize and demonstrate the recommendation to press the call button when he wants to use the bathroom with 100% accuracy across 3 sessions to improve safety by 12.31.19.

Using supports to be oriented to time

Sometimes, just making sure the tools are in the right place is all that is needed: clock, calendar, or a digital combination.

One recent patient had a digital calendar * that was recommended by a physical therapist, but she wasn’t using it. It was just another bit of decoration on the shelf that she wasn’t paying attention to.

I used spaced retrieval with errorless learning to train her to use it in two session (and confirmed it in each subsequent visit).

  • Prompt question: “What should you do when you want to know the time or the date?”
  • Response: “Look at the clock” and then read off the time and the date.

Not only was she using the digital calendar independently when I returned the following week, but she was also independently oriented to the day of the week and the month (i.e. from memory).

*This is an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. There is no extra charge to you, and it will help keep Eat, Speak, & Think sustainable.

  • verbalize and demonstrate the independent use of the electronic calendar to determine the current day of week, date, and time with 100% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions to improve ability to participate in desired activities by 12.31.19.

Related Eat, Speak, & Think posts

  • 5 easy steps to remember names .
  • Collaborative goal setting to identify meaningful cognitive goals .
  • How to use spaced retrieval with errorless learning to improve memory .
  • Writing SMART memory goals for a reluctant patient .
  • Treating cognition in the real world .
  • Improve aphasia outcomes by creating intensive home exercise programs .

Your cognitive therapy activities

What are some of your recent cognitive therapy activities? Leave a comment below!

Featured image by kang_hojun from pixabay .

Photo of Lisa Young

Lisa A Young M.A. CCC-SLP

Lisa earned her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Maryland, College Park and her M.A. in Linguistics from the University of California, San Diego.

She participated in research studies with the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the University of Maryland in the areas of aphasia, Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, and fluency disorders.

Lisa has been working as a medical speech-language pathologist since 2008. She has a strong passion for evidence-based assessment and therapy, having earned five ASHA Awards for Professional Participation in Continuing Education.

She launched EatSpeakThink.com in June 2018 to help other clinicians be more successful working in home health, as well as to provide strategies and resources to people living with problems eating, speaking, or thinking.

  • Lisa A Young M.A. CCC-SLP https://eatspeakthink.com/author/admin/ An easy way to write participation-level speech therapy goals
  • Lisa A Young M.A. CCC-SLP https://eatspeakthink.com/author/admin/ Learn how Goal Attainment Scaling makes SMART goals better
  • Lisa A Young M.A. CCC-SLP https://eatspeakthink.com/author/admin/ Quick guide to self-management training in Parkinson's
  • Lisa A Young M.A. CCC-SLP https://eatspeakthink.com/author/admin/ Soft skills for SLPs: Taking your practice to new heights

' src=

Loving your blog. Thanks for sharing!

' src=

Thank you, Mireya!

' src=

I’m a graduate student treating a person with aphasia in therapy this semester. This is the first website I’ve found that has been truly helpful for my adult client, Thank you so much!

Thanks so much for sharing your feedback, Kristin! I’m happy to hear you’re finding something helpful on my site. Good luck with your client and your program!

' src=

[…] 10 practical cognitive therapy activities. […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Comment

Your Website URL

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Ultimate Adults' Guide to Speech Therapy

Published: aug 22, 2023, updated: aug 30, 2023.

Adult's guide to speech therapy

Written by Oseh Mathias

Founder , SpeechFit

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Reviewed by Brenna Ryan  ( She/Her )

Speech Language Pathologist

If you've chosen to explore speech therapy, you've taken a commendable first step.

Speech and language extend beyond mere communication tools—they are the lifeblood of human connection, pivotal in shaping our evolutionary journey as a species.

Opting for speech therapy in adulthood transcends merely addressing a challenge or honing a skill; it's a profound reconnection with your fundamental human right to articulate, resonate, and genuinely comprehend those around you. Countless individuals have journeyed this path, emerging not just with sharpened communication abilities, but with a rejuvenated sense of confidence that infuses every aspect of their lives.

We're privileged to live in an era where accumulated centuries of research have resulted in evidence-based treatments that are capable of instigating significant shifts in speech and language abilities. Pursuing these therapies requires persistence and focus, yet there's never been a more promising moment to embark on this transformative journey.

This guide will prepare you to succeed in therapy by letting you know what to expect and what you need to do to get the best outcome.

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is a domain within the healthcare sphere, focusing on the evaluation, diagnosis, and remediation of speech, language, voice, and swallowing anomalies. Regardless of whether the origin of the condition is neural, myopathic, neuropathic, or within another category, the fundamental purpose of speech therapy is to amplify and refine communication. This ensures that individuals can articulate their thoughts and understand others with greater proficiency. All therapeutic approaches derive from rigorous evidence-based research and are selected and implemented by speech therapists to cater to the unique requirements of each client.

Who Needs Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy caters to a broad spectrum of individuals. Far from being limited to children or those with developmental challenges, it provides crucial support to anyone who seeks to enhance or modify their communication abilities.

image within the content - in line image

Here's a broader perspective on who might benefit from speech therapy:

Life Transitions: Adults who have experienced strokes , traumatic brain injuries, or progressive neurological diseases like Parkinson's can find speech therapy instrumental in regaining lost communication skills or adapting to new ways of speaking. Additionally, transgender individuals undergoing transition may appreciate gender-affirming voice modification services.

Stuttering and Voice Concerns: Individuals, both young and old, who stutter or have voice disorders, benefit immensely from the tailored strategies and exercises provided by speech therapists.

Professional Development: Professionals in vocally demanding fields, such as singing, broadcasting, or public speaking, may seek speech therapy to optimise voice quality, projection, and endurance.

Accent Modification: For those looking to alter or reduce their native accent—whether for professional reasons or personal preference—speech therapists offer specialised training.

Swallowing Difficulties: Beyond speech and language, therapists also address swallowing disorders, helping individuals enjoy meals safely and comfortably.

Cognitive Communication Disorders: Adults with issues related to memory, attention, problem-solving, or other cognitive aspects of communication can find solutions and coping strategies through speech therapy.

Confidence Boost : For anyone feeling self-conscious or inhibited due to their speech patterns, therapy offers tools to improve clarity, fluency, and confidence.

Ultimately, speech therapy stands as a testament to the idea that communication is a fundamental right and a deeply personal experience. It extends an invitation to anyone, regardless of age or background, who wishes to elevate or adapt their way of connecting with the world. If you have a desire to refine or redefine your communicative abilities, speech therapy is a gateway to achieving those aspirations.

Benefits of Attending Speech Therapy

image within the content - in line image

Engaging in speech therapy offers many advantages. In addition to directly addressing factors that may be limiting one's quality of life, attending therapy sessions with a qualified clinician provides a structured framework for overall improvement and wellbeing. 

Here are some general benefits of consistently attending therapy:

Personalised Expert Guidance: Therapists provide individually-tailored advice and strategies based on their extensive training and experience. This ensures that individuals receive the most effective treatments for their specific challenges.

Consistent Support: Regularly scheduled sessions mean that attendees have a consistent touchpoint for addressing concerns, providing a sense of stability and continuity in the therapeutic journey.

Safe Space for Expression: A therapy room is a confidential and non-judgmental environment where individuals can express their fears, frustrations, and aspirations freely, supporting their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Empowerment through Knowledge: Attending therapy can be enlightening. As individuals understand more about their condition and the science behind it, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their health and daily life.

Structured Progress Monitoring: Regular sessions enable both the therapist and the individual to track improvements, setbacks, or changes over time, leading to timely modifications in the treatment plan if required.

Building a Therapeutic Relationship: The relationship between a therapist and an individual is unique. Over time, this bond of trust can enhance the efficacy of therapy as individuals become more open to feedback and more committed to the therapeutic process.

Resource Availability: Therapists often have access to a variety of resources, tools, and networks that might be unknown to the general public. Regular attendance can open doors to these beneficial supports.

Accountability and Motivation: Knowing that someone is tracking your progress, and keeping regular appointments, can serve as a motivation to adhere to exercises and strategies proposed by the therapist. This accountability often leads to better outcomes.

While speech therapy offers specific interventions to improve speech, language, and swallowing challenges, the very act of attending therapy offers a myriad of general benefits that contribute to your holistic growth and improved quality of life.

Finding the Right Therapist 

image within the content - in line image

The journey to improved speech and communication often begins with finding the right professional to guide and support you. A speech pathologist plays a pivotal role in this journey. Ensuring that you partner with a knowledgeable and experienced therapist can make a significant difference in the outcomes of your therapy.

Why is it important to see a licensed speech pathologist?

Accurate Assessment: A certified speech pathologist is trained to conduct thorough and precise evaluations, ensuring that the root cause of a speech or language issue is identified.

Evidence-Based Interventions: Licensed professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in the field, ensuring that the interventions they provide are based on scientific evidence and best practices.

Safety and Accountability: Certification and licensing ensure that the therapist adheres to the professional and ethical standards set by the governing bodies in their field. This provides an added layer of assurance to clients regarding the quality and safety of the services they receive.

Where can I find a speech pathologist for adults in Australia?

Typically, Speech Pathologists can be found in clinics, online via telehealth, in hospitals or universities, or wherever good books are 😆

Private Clinics: These are standalone facilities or departments of multidisciplinary clinics where speech pathologists offer services. They often cater to a wide range of issues, from speech and language disorders to voice and swallowing problems.

Universities: Several universities in Australia with speech pathology programs offer clinics where students, under the supervision of licensed professionals, provide services at a reduced cost.

Online Platforms: With the rise of telehealth, many speech pathologists now offer their services online. This is especially beneficial for those in remote areas or for those who prefer virtual consultations.

How do I find a speech therapist for adults in Australia?

While the internet can usually help, there is one site that you should know about when looking for a speech therapist for adults in Australia.

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) : This is the industry body for speech pathology in Australia, and they have a directory where you can search for speech pathologists near you.

Tips for Choosing a Therapist

If you’re an adult starting speech therapy, you’re likely going to have this person in your life for a year or more. Furthermore, you will need to commit to the therapy, so make sure that you find someone with whom you are comfortable and feel safe.

Consider the following factors when choosing a speech therapist:.

Experience and Specialisation: While many speech pathologists are trained to handle a variety of disorders, some have specific expertise in areas like stuttering, aphasia, or voice disorders. Ensure that the therapist's specialisation aligns with your needs.

Location: If you're opting for in-person sessions, consider the clinic's proximity to your home or workplace. Regular sessions are often crucial for progress, and a convenient location can make attendance easier.

Recommendations: Word of mouth can be a valuable resource. Ask friends, family, or even your primary care doctor for recommendations.

Reviews and Testimonials: Many therapists have online profiles or websites. Reading reviews or testimonials can provide insights into others' experiences with the therapist.

Comfort and Rapport: It's essential to have a good rapport with your therapist. You will usually have an initial consultation to gauge your comfort level and ensure that their approach aligns with your expectations.

Finding the right speech pathologist is a pivotal step in your therapeutic journey. Investing time and effort in this process ensures that you're on the right path towards achieving your speech and communication goals.

The Assessment Process

Embarking on the path of speech therapy usually begins with a comprehensive assessment. This foundational step allows the speech pathologist to understand the depth and nature of the challenges you're facing. This section will help you navigate and understand the assessment process.

What to Expect During the Initial Assessment

Duration: The initial assessment typically takes longer than subsequent therapy sessions, often ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. This allows the therapist to gather in-depth information about your speech and language challenges.

History Taking: The therapist will start by asking about your medical, developmental, and communication history. This provides context to any observable speech and language challenges.

Discussion of Concerns: You'll have the opportunity to explain your primary concerns, describe when you first noticed them, and detail any previous interventions or treatments.

Physical Examination: Depending on your concerns, the therapist might conduct a physical examination of the mouth, throat, and related structures to determine if there are any anatomical issues contributing to the problem. This will not apply to all consultations.

image within the content - in line image

Types of Assessments

The type of assessment your clinician uses will vary depending on what you are seeing them for. Some common assessment types can be found below.

Observational Assessment: The therapist will engage you in natural conversation to observe and assess various aspects of your speech and language. This can include articulation, fluency, voice quality, pitch, volume, and resonance.

Formal Tests: These standardised tests assess specific areas of speech and language. They provide a quantitative measure of your skills compared to age-related norms. Examples might include articulation tests, voice assessments, or language comprehension tests.

Interviews: The therapist might engage you in a structured interview, posing specific questions related to your speech and language abilities. This method can also involve close family members or caregivers when relevant.

Functional Communication Assessment: This evaluates how effectively you communicate in real-life situations. It might involve task-based assessments or simulations of everyday scenarios.

Goal Setting Based on Assessment Results

After the initial assessment, the speech pathologist will review the findings with you. 

Together, you will:

Identify Primary Concerns: The therapist will highlight the main areas of concern, using both the quantitative results from formal tests and qualitative observations.

Establish Clear Goals: Goals may be developed based on the assessment results, or based on your personal priorities. If the focus is on data-driven progress monitoring, you'll collaborate to create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For instance, if stuttering is a concern, a goal might be to employ specific strategies to reduce stuttering episodes by 50% during conversations with colleagues over three months. Others might set a more subjective but personal goal for you, for example, to speak with authority like Barack Obama. 

Plan the Therapeutic Journey: The therapist will outline the expected duration of therapy, the frequency of sessions, and the methods or interventions to be used to achieve the set goals.

The assessment process in speech therapy is a holistic evaluation of your speech and language capabilities. It not only identifies challenges but also sets the stage for an individualised therapeutic approach aimed at meeting your specific needs and improving your quality of life.

The Therapy Process

Once the initial assessment is complete, the journey of intervention and treatment truly begins. The therapy process is where goals are actively pursued, strategies are employed, and progress is monitored. 

In most cases, you'll engage in a variety of activities designed to target your specific challenges. These may include exercises to improve articulation, voice modulation techniques, fluency drills, or swallowing strategies, among others. Your therapist will often assign "homework" to reinforce the skills you've learned during sessions. As you make progress, the goals and strategies may be adjusted to continually challenge and benefit you. Regular feedback sessions will help you and your therapist gauge how well the interventions are working and what adjustments might be needed.

image within the content - in line image

How Often Are Sessions and How Long Do They Last?

Frequency: The frequency of sessions often depends on the severity of the issue and the goals set. Some might require intensive therapy with multiple sessions a week, while others might benefit from weekly or even bi-weekly sessions. As progress is made, the frequency might decrease.

Duration: A typical session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. However, this can vary based on the individual's needs, the type of disorder, and the specific intervention strategy being used.

Individual vs. Group Sessions

Individual Sessions: These are one-on-one sessions between the therapist and the client. They allow for personalised attention and are tailored specifically to the client's needs. Individual sessions are especially beneficial for addressing specific concerns and employing targeted techniques. If you stutter, you will probably participate in individual sessions.

Group Sessions: Group therapy can be beneficial for individuals who need to practise communication skills, gain social confidence, or learn from the experiences of others. Group sessions can also be invaluable for individuals who stutter, offering a supportive environment to practise speaking techniques and share experiences.

In-Person vs. Telehealth

In-Person: Traditional face-to-face sessions allow for hands-on techniques, especially beneficial for articulation issues or when physical examination is required. It also facilitates a more personal rapport between the therapist and the client.

Telehealth: With advancements in technology, online speech therapy has become increasingly popular. Telehealth is especially beneficial for those who live in remote areas, have transportation challenges, or prefer the convenience of virtual sessions. Platforms used for telehealth are secure, ensuring confidentiality, and some have tools embedded for speech therapy interventions.

Examples of Common Therapy Techniques and Exercises for Adults

Therapy for stuttering.

There are two major approaches for stuttering . Stutter modification strategies focus on reducing tension and regaining control during moments of stuttering. Fluency shaping strategies focus on reducing the frequency of stuttering events and increasing speech fluency. Fluency shaping techniques might include controlled breathing, slow speech rate, or gentle voice onsets. A common and popular method of fluency shaping is the Camperdown Program . 

The Camperdown Program is an evidence-based stuttering treatment developed at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre for adolescents and adults who stutter. Rooted in prolonged speech techniques, the program involves teaching individuals to speak in a slightly slower, yet natural-sounding manner, which in turn reduces stuttering events. Eventually, you will aim to increase the speed while maintaining fluency.

Unlike some other therapeutic methods, the Camperdown Program does not employ the traditional hierarchy of speaking situations. Instead, it focuses on real-time video or audio feedback, allowing individuals to view their non-stuttering speech and develop self-regulation skills. The program's strength lies in its adaptability to modern telehealth platforms, enabling widespread access and self-administration under professional guidance. Over time, many participants achieve reduced stuttering frequencies and increased confidence in their speech.

How effective is the Camperdown program? 

In a 2012 clinical trial, which is the most recent clinical trial on the efficacy of the Camperdown model, the average stuttering severity of participants was 5.7/8 at the beginning and 1/8 immediately post treatment [ 1 ] . In other terms, there was an approximately 82.5% improvement in stuttering severity from the beginning of the treatment to immediately post-treatment. However, 12 months after post-treatment, the average stuttering severity score was 2.4/8 out of all participants. After treatment, maintenance should remain a high priority to keep the gains you make.

For other communication concerns, there are numerous other techniques which might be used in speech therapy.

Articulation Therapy: For individuals with pronunciation difficulties, exercises might involve repetitive practice of specific sounds, words, or phrases to retrain speech motor patterns.

Voice Therapy: For voice disorders, exercises might involve pitch range exercises, resonance training, or relaxation techniques to reduce strain on the vocal cords.

Language Intervention: For those with language disorders, activities might focus on building vocabulary, improving sentence structure, or enhancing listening and comprehension skills.

The therapy process is dynamic, evolving as progress is made. Regular feedback during sessions ensure that the approach remains relevant and effective. Remember, the journey with speech therapy is a partnership between the therapist and the client. Open communication, commitment, and persistence are key to achieving the best outcomes.

Tools and Technologies in Speech Therapy

image within the content - in line image

As the field of speech therapy has evolved, so has its integration of modern tools and technologies. These innovations not only enhance the therapeutic process but also empower individuals to take active roles in their communication journeys. Here's an overview of some of the contemporary tools and technologies utilised in speech therapy:

Apps and Software

Speech Therapy Apps: A multitude of apps cater to various speech and language disorders. They offer exercises, games, and interactive activities to improve articulation, fluency, voice, and language comprehension. Examples include Speak Up for Parkinson's , which aids in voice strengthening, and Articulation Station, designed for pronunciation practice.

Feedback and Analysis Software: Some software tools provide real-time feedback on speech parameters such as pitch, volume, and fluency. This immediate feedback can help users adjust their speech on the spot.

Teletherapy Platforms: With the rise of online therapy, specialised platforms have been developed to facilitate virtual speech therapy sessions. These platforms often come with integrated tools for speech interventions.

We recommend SpeechFit to complement stuttering therapy using the Camperdown method.

You can share it with your clinician, who can integrate exercises into the platform. Additionally, it will make it easy for you to enter your fluency cycles, track your progress on rich interactive charts, and record and annotate audio. It also has a range of features that have been purpose-made for telehealth which will make your experience far easier. 

Tips for Making the Most of Therapy

image within the content - in line image

Speech therapy, like any other form of therapeutic intervention, requires an active commitment not just from the therapist, but from the individual receiving the therapy. To maximise the benefits of your therapy sessions, consider integrating these practices and strategies.

Practising at Home

Therapy sessions are merely the starting point. What truly accelerates progress is consistent daily practice at home, reinforcing what you learned during sessions.

Create a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day for practice. Whether it's first thing in the morning or right before bed, a routine can help ensure you don't skip out on this crucial aspect of therapy.

Utilise Resources: If your therapist provides worksheets, apps, or other tools, make sure to use them regularly. These resources are designed to aid your practice and track your progress.

Daily Conversational Practice: It will be very difficult for you to make real progress in speech therapy (not just in safe environments but in every situation) if you don’t have someone you can regularly converse with. That’s not to say you can’t make progress without it, but it will certainly help.

Seeking Support

Support Groups: Joining a local or national support group can be invaluable. These groups provide a safe environment to share experiences, practice communication skills, and learn from others who are on similar journeys.

Online Communities: Numerous online platforms and forums are dedicated to various speech and language disorders. These communities can offer advice, share resources, and provide a sense of belonging. For example, the Discord group for stuttering is worth visiting. 

Family and Friends: Your immediate circle can be your biggest cheerleaders. Educate them about your therapy goals so they can support, encourage, and practise with you.

Incorporating Feedback from the Therapist

Active Listening: During sessions, listen closely to the feedback provided by your therapist. This guidance is rooted in their expertise and is vital for making adjustments.

Ask Questions: If you're unsure about a technique or exercise, don't hesitate to ask. Understanding the "why" behind each strategy can make its implementation more effective.

Take Notes: After each session, jot down key takeaways, exercises to focus on, and areas of improvement. Review these notes during your home practice.

Funding and Cost Considerations

image within the content - in line image

Navigating the financial aspect of speech therapy can often be as daunting as understanding the therapy process itself. However, in Australia, there are various avenues through which individuals can access financial support or coverage for speech therapy. 

Here's an overview of funding and cost considerations:

Medicare: Medicare, Australia's universal health scheme, provides some coverage for speech therapy services under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. However, there are specific criteria that must be met, including a referral from a general practitioner (GP) indicating that the individual has a chronic medical condition requiring allied health services.

Private Health Insurance: Coverage for speech therapy under private health insurance varies between providers and policies. It's crucial to check with your insurance provider regarding the extent of coverage, any waiting periods, limits, and whether a GP referral is required.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): For individuals with a significant and permanent disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities, the NDIS can provide funding for therapy and interventions, including speech therapy.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Gap Fees: Even with Medicare or private health insurance coverage, there may be gap fees, which are the difference between the therapist's fee and the amount reimbursed by Medicare or insurance. It's essential to discuss potential out-of-pocket costs with your speech pathologist beforehand.

Initial Assessments: Sometimes, the initial assessment fee is higher than subsequent therapy sessions, as it often involves a comprehensive evaluation and the formulation of a treatment plan.

Materials and Tools: Occasionally, there might be additional costs for therapy materials, tools, or software, especially if they're recommended for home practice.

When considering speech therapy funding, it's essential to have an open conversation with potential therapists about costs, payment plans, and any available funding options. They are there to help, so don’t be shy! By understanding the financial landscape and the support available, you can make informed decisions and ensure that therapy remains accessible and beneficial.

Navigating the world of speech therapy is a transformative journey that promises more than just improved communication skills—it opens the door to a richer, more authentic human connection. From identifying the right therapist and undergoing comprehensive assessments to actively participating in individualised treatment plans, each step equips you with tools for holistic growth and well-being.

While speech therapy can be a process filled with discovery and fun, as you embark or continue on this path, know that the courage, discipline, and commitment you invest today will echo in every conversation, every relationship, and every aspect of your life tomorrow.

Oseh Mathias

SpeechFit Founder

Oseh is passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes for neurodiverse people and healthcare providers alike.

Brenna Ryan   (She/Her)

Brenna is a speech language pathologist with 8 years of experience in working with children and adults. Brenna enjoys working with clients of all ages to meet their communication goals and has a particular interest in GLP and language acquisition.

Cocomazzo, N., Block, S., Carey, B., O'Brian, S., Onslow, M., Packman, A., & Iverach, L. (2012). Camperdown Program for adults who stutter: A student training clinic Phase I trial. Journal Title, Volume(Issue), Page Range. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-6984.2012.00150.x

Shine Speech Activities

Your cart is currently empty.

Total: $0.00

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Free your time. Fresh, ready activities.

Speech therapy activities designed for therapists and kids to love.

Engaging Resources

Engaged therapy sessions, here you come! Speech & language activities that are guaranteed to catch the attention of any child. Perfect for digital learning and in-person fun.

BUNDLE Executive Function

BUNDLE Executive Function

✨ As seen on Boom Cards Featured Bundles!

This BUNDLE of executive function cards includes problem solving stories, social stories, predicting stories, sequencing stories, and flexible thinking stories.

Multiple types of wh- questions, why and how questions, labeling exercises, multiple choice, and drag and drop categorizations   are included throughout this bundle to encourage an in depth understanding of each executive functioning skill.

⭐️ 80 Problem Solving

  • Multiple choice question
  • 2 labeling exercises

⭐️   52 Social Stories

  • Topics of social skills to choose from (feelings, manners, listening, sharing & turns, making friends, being kind)
  • Sorting exercise
  • 2 wh- questions

⭐️   50 Predicting (✨ as seen on Top Premium Boom Cards ✨)

  • What questions
  • How questions

⭐️   50 Sequencing

  • 3 different what questions per story

⭐️   40 Flexible Thinking (✨ as seen on Top Premium Boom Cards ✨)

  • Why questions
  • Labeling exercise

Each deck includes a teaching slide and visual to help your students better understand executive function skills before practicing! 

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview.

To use Boom Cards, you must be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Wh- Questions & Short Stories

Wh- Questions & Short Stories

15 short stories to target wh- questions, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, recall, and more!

Multiple levels of difficulty, including both shorter and longer paragraphs for a variety of length and detail in the stories.

⭐ Wh- Questions in Short Stories

  • 15 Paragraph Short Stories
  • 6 Wh- Questions for every story
  • Stories are 4-9 sentences in length
  • What, where, who, when, why, and how questions for every story

*This product contains the same activities as the Boom Cards version. If you would like the Boom Cards version, view   Wh- Questions & Short Stories, Auditory Comprehension, Boom Cards.

Compare and Contrast

Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast a variety of topics with 5 different activities and over 400 prompts! Improve understanding and use of similarities and differences using this comprehensive activity. 

This resource includes   5 different ways to practice comparing and contrasting , including stories, Venn diagrams, wh questions, short answers, pictures, graphs, and more. Real photos are included in this resource.

⭐️ Compare and Contrast:

  • 5 stories with Venn diagrams
  • 10 picture pairs with wh questions and Venn diagrams
  • 10 picture pairs with wh questions and short answer questions
  • 10 word pairs with wh questions and short answers
  • 10 word pairs with graphs and word banks
  • 2 blank templates

⭐️   Targeted Skills:

  • Improve use of compare and contrast
  • Increase comprehension of similarities and differences
  • Expand skills for answering questions

Topics & Questions

Topics & Questions

80 unique topics with 4 wh- questions and a story prompt to improve expressive and receptive language skills, with REAL pictures. Questions and story prompts improve story telling and sentence generation skills. What, where, who, when, why, and how questions are included, with 4 different questions for each picture.

✨ As featured on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks ✨

⭐ 80 Topics & Categories

  • 5 activities for each topic
  • Real picture for every topic
  • 4 wh-/how questions for every topic
  • 1 story prompt for every topic
  • What, where, who, when, why, and how questions included

⭐  Targeted Skills

  • Improve receptive & expressive language
  • Enhance skills for   answering questions
  • Boost   story telling skills
  • Develop   noun labeling and describing

Practice describing topics and categories, by answering questions and discussing a story prompt for each topic!

To use Boom Cards, you   must   be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.   If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.   Read here for details:   http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Conversation Starters

Conversation Starters

Conversation starters to improve commenting, asking questions, and answering questions during conversations. Conversation prompts has variety of ways to practice conversations, including questions, open response, fill in the blank, and more.

This resource includes   multiple ways to practice conversations , including pictures, comments, questions, asking questions, and more.

⭐️   All About Me Conversation Starters:

  • 2 what questions
  • 1 how question
  • Open response opportunity

⭐️   Conversation Topics:

  • 20 unique topics
  • 3 open response opportunities to practice
  • Practice asking questions and making comments

⭐️   Conversation Photos:

  • 20 unique photo prompts
  • 2 open response opportunities to practice

⭐️   Boom Cards include:

  • 20 conversation topics
  • 20 conversation starters with real photos
  • Open response opportunities to practice

⭐️   Targeted skills:

  • Improve conversation abilities
  • Increase ability to ask and answer questions in conversations
  • Expand commenting skills during conversations

NOTE: This resource includes 1 printable PDF with a Boom Cards companion. The Boom Cards contains part of the PDF resource, but does not include the "All About Me" conversation starters. Boom Cards are digital resources. PDF pages can be used digitally with PDF applications or can be printed for in person use.

To use boom cards, you must be connected to the internet. boom cards play on modern browsers (chrome, safari, firefox, and edge). apps are available for modern android, ipads, iphones, and kindle fires. for security and privacy, adults must have a boom learning account to use and assign boom cards. you will be able to assign the boom cards you are buying with "fast pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading boom cards). for assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account. if you are new to boom learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account. read here for details: http://bit.ly/boomtrial ..

Problems & Solutions with Problem Size

Problems & Solutions with Problem Size

Problem solving stories, problem size, solutions, common problems   and more are included in this set.   There are 80 unique problem solving and solution scenarios   for critical thinking. Open response questions and multiple choice questions are included in every story! You will receive problem size and common problem teaching pages, as well as multiple examples.

⭐️   80 Problem Solving Stories

  • 80 unique problem scenarios
  • Multiple choice question for every story
  • 2 open response exercises for every story

⭐️   Problem Size Slides & Questions

  • 5 in-depth teaching pages
  • Problem size (small, medium, big) definitions
  • Emotions related to problem sizes
  • Color coordinated problem size visual
  • 2 small problem exercises
  • 2 medium problem exercises
  • 2 big problem exercises

⭐️   Common Problems & Questions

  • Teaching slide with definitions & examples
  • 6 scenarios of common problems
  • 2 free response problem & solution questions per scenario 

With 80 unique stories, 12 common problem scenarios, 6 problem size questions and multiple teaching pages, you will be able to use this resource for   many   teaching sessions. You won't need anything else!

Story Builders & Create A Story

Story Builders & Create A Story

Improve creative writing with these narrative and short story prompts! This set of   70 short story builders   comes with character, location, event and time learning targets.

Help your students improve their stories and increase their creative narrative skills. There is space for students to type or write their stories, as well as an organizing task for story parts. 

Your students will have all the tools they need to create unique and imaginative stories!

⭐️ Includes:

  • 70 story builders
  • 3 practice levels
  • A combination of who (character), where (location), what (event) and when (time) story part targets
  • 36 story builders that include 2 story parts
  • 20 story builders that include 3 story parts
  • 14 story builders that include 4 story parts
  • Story parts organizing task with pictures
  • Space for creative writing and narrative generation
  • Instructions on each page 

⭐️ Teaching slides:

  • In depth information about the 4 included story parts
  • Descriptions
  • Picture matching activities 

Save your time and energy, this set is NO PREP! Includes everything you need to elicit creative, engaging stories from your students.

Perfect for SLPs, teachers, or parents looking to expand language or writing in a fun and creative way!

Social Skills & Pragmatics

Social Skills & Pragmatics

Social skills and pragmatic language set to improve executive functioning skills.   52 unique stories with sorting and wh- questions!

Social skills topic can be organized by category or practiced in random order, depending on your goals! Your students will sort each card into "appropriate" or "inappropriate" categories. They also will have an opportunity to explain how to improve social skills. Keep students engaged with interactive drag and drop!

⭐️   52 Social Skills short stories

  • 2 scenarios per slide
  • Drag and drop sorting for "appropriate" or "inappropriate" behavior
  • What question to target improving behaviors
  • Why question to target critical thinking

⭐️   Skills are able to be sorted by topic:

  • Sharing & Turns
  • Making Friends

BUNDLE for Executive Function Skills also available in Shine Speech Activities shop , which includes problem solving, predicting, flexible thinking, social skills, and sequencing/planning, too!

Use this deck to help teach and practice pragmatic skills - you won't need anything else!

Sentence Comprehension & Language Comprehension

Sentence Comprehension & Language Comprehension

Improve sentence comprehension, language and reading comprehension, and picture comprehension with 4 activities and over 125 prompts for speech therapy or classrooms! Target comprehending, receptive language, and more.

This resource includes   4 different ways to practice sentence comprehension , including wh questions, pictures, fill in the blanks, and more. Real photos are included in this resource.

⭐️ Sentence Comprehension:

  • 40 sentence comprehension task cards with 3 questions each
  • 30 real photo sentence comprehension prompts
  • 30 multiple choice reading comprehension activities
  • 30 fill in the blank language comprehension prompts
  • Improve sentence comprehension skills
  • Increase receptive and expressive language abilities
  • Expand skills for understanding sentences and pictures

Categories

Categories with divergent naming, convergent naming, group, similarities, differences, and more! Words, cartoons, and real pictures included for a variety of ways to practice.

This resource includes   6 different ways to practice categories , including describing, naming, grouping, similarities, differences, and topics. Category cards include words, cartoon pictures to color, and real photos!

⭐️ Categories:

  • 40 Describe the category
  • 40 Name the category
  • 40 Categories Grouping
  • 24 Categories similarities
  • 24 Categories differences
  • 6 Categories Topics
  • 10 Describe the category
  • 15 Name the category
  • 15 Categories Grouping
  • 15 Categories similarities
  • 15 Categories differences
  • 5 Categories Topics
  • Improve understanding categories
  • Expand ability to describe categories
  • Practice language with categories 

NOTE: This resource includes 1 printable PDF with a Boom Cards companion. The Boom Cards contains part of the PDF resource. Boom Cards are digital resources. PDF pages can be used digitally with PDF applications or can be printed for in person use.

Picture & Word Describing Webs

Picture & Word Describing Webs

This set of 70 picture description webs targets describing pictures and words by color, shape, size, location, material, function, category and more. Includes 8 wh- questions for each word!

Teaching slides are also included to teach your students how to describe pictures.

⭐️ Picture Description Webs:

  • 8 fill in the blank questions to target descriptions
  • Color description targets
  • Size description targets
  • Shape description targets
  • Location description targets
  • Material description targets
  • Function description targets
  • Category description targets
  • Who (who uses it?) description targets
  • Color coded targets to improve memory of ways to describe

⭐️ Teaching Slides:

  • Question example for each description target
  • Concrete examples of each description type 

⭐️ Bonus Pages on PDF:

  • Colored blank picture web template with 8 questions
  • Black and white picture web template with 8 questions

BONUS! A blank PDF template for a color web and a black and white web are also included.   Your students have the opportunity to draw their own unique pictures and create webs.

70 trials, plus blank webs, allows for unlimited practice of picture and word describing. 

Help your students learn how to describe with this activity! PDF and Boom Cards versions are included.

Predicting in Short Stories

Predicting in Short Stories

This activity includes   50 predicting stories . Unique and original scenarios for predicting practice!

✨ As seen on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks ✨

Each scenario   includes a "what" question and a "how" question   for further discussion and analysis for your students.

50 stories means you won't need any other activity for predicting! Use these randomized trials track data over multiple sessions.

⭐️   50 Predicting story slides

  • Unique predicting scenarios
  • What question for predicting
  • How question for analyzing prediction

BUNDLE Figurative Language

BUNDLE Figurative Language

This BUNDLE of figurative language cards includes idioms, metaphors, hyperboles, personification and similes. Over 255 practice targets with figurative language!

The set targets multiple skills so your students will have an in depth understanding of each type of figurative language! This set is a truly comprehensive approach to understanding and using figurative language.

⭐️ 60 Idioms

  • Yes/no questions for every trial
  • What questions for every trial
  • Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own idioms) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Metaphors

  • Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own metaphors) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Similes

  • Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own similes) for every trial

⭐️ 45 Hyperboles

  • Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own hyperboles) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Personification

  • Free response to give students opportunity to create short stories with personification

⭐️ 35 Allusions

  • 2 what questions for every trial
  • Free response to encourage building allusions in sentences
  • Allusions to Historical figures, literature, famous fictional characters, locations/landmarks, Greek mythology, movies and more

⭐️ Each deck includes a teaching slide

  • Definitions
  • Help your students understand and identify figurative language before practicing

Preview Boom Cards HERE.

Prepositions & Spatial Concepts

Prepositions & Spatial Concepts

This set of   prepositions targets spatial and location concepts with 60 trials ! Teach your students prepositions and location with this robust, comprehensive deck.

You can pick which preposition to target, or practice with randomized slides. The teaching module will   teach your students everything they need to know about each preposition   before practicing! 

⭐️   Prepositions include:

⭐️   learning module includes:.

Use the practice slides to practice prepositions with multiple choice. Navigate between the learning module and practice cards using the buttons at the bottom of each slide.

CLICK HERE for Boom Card Preview.

To use Boom Cards, you  must  be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account. If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account. Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Main Idea & Supporting Details

Main Idea & Supporting Details

Main idea and supporting details with 5 different ways to practice and 50 unique prompts! Improve reading comprehension and writing skills using this main ideas and detail resource.

This product contains a PDF version and a Boom Cards companion.

This resource includes   5 different ways to practice main idea and supporting details , including stories with questions, main ideas vs. details, create-a-story, grouping, and pictures with questions. Real photos are also included in this resource.

⭐️ Main Idea & Details:

  • 10 Stories & Questions
  • 10 Main Ideas vs. Details
  • 10 Create-A-Story
  • 10 Grouping
  • 10 Pictures & Questions
  • Improve understanding main ideas and details
  • Increase reading comprehension abilities
  • Expand skills for creating stories

To use Boom Cards, you must be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.  If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.  Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Expanding Language with Wh Questions and Real Pictures

Expanding Language with Wh Questions and Real Pictures

Expand expressive language using wh- questions and sentence generation prompts with real pictures.   Improve expressive language, answering questions, labeling verbs, and story generation!   What, where, and who questions are included for every picture!

⭐ Expanding Language with Real Pictures

  • 80 real life pictures
  • 3 wh- questions   for every story
  • Free response prompt   for every story
  • Large variety of actions and topics within pictures
  • What, where, and who questions for every story
  • Printable pages

⭐ Targeted Skills

  • Improve expressive language
  • Enhance skills for answering questions
  • Boost sentence and story generation skills
  • Develop verb describing and labeling

Sequencing and Planning

Sequencing and Planning

This set of 50 sequencing and planning activity deck will help your students improve their planning skills! The deck includes a variety of sequencing and planning scenarios and trials for your students.

Each open-ended short story includes 3 color-coded wh- questions to guide sequencing.

⭐️   50 Sequencing short stories

  • Unique sequencing stories
  • 3 wh- questions per story
  • Color-coded questions, to match teaching slide

⭐️   Teaching slide

  • 6 unique teaching  slides with visuals
  • Color-coded information to match questions in trials
  • Drag & drop activity
  • Synonyms for key words
  • Example of a story sequence

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview

Flexible Thinking & Reframing

Flexible Thinking & Reframing

This set of 40 flexible thinking and reframing thoughts cards   teaches your students how to improve flexible thinking   in difficult situations.

Each unique scenario includes   multiple questions as well as a labeling exercise   to encourage flexible thinking and increasing creative problem solving.

⭐️   Each Flexible Thinking trial includes:

  • Why question
  • How question

⭐️   Teaching slides include:

  • Flexible v. rigid thinking comparison
  • Flexible thinking examples
  • Strategies for use of flexible thinking in difficult moments

INCLUDES: Both a PDF version and a Boom Cards version!

Wh- Questions & Short Stories

BUNDLE for Wh- Questions also available in Shine Speech Activities shop , which includes short stories and sentences!

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview .

*This product contains the same activities as the PDF version. If you would like the PDF version, view   Wh- Questions & Short Stories, Auditory Comprehension .

Inferencing & Context Clues

Inferencing & Context Clues

70 inferencing and context clues trials to improve critical thinking skills! Each trial comes with 4 unique clues to help your students make an inference. They can then provide their answer, and drag the cover away to see the correct answer and a picture.

⭐️   As featured on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks   ⭐️

⭐ 70 Inferencing & Context Clues Slides:

  • 4 clues for every word
  • Space to type an answer
  • Drag to uncover the correct answer
  • Pictures of the correct answer

⭐ Skills targeted:

  • Improve inferencing
  • Enhance ability to understand clues
  • Increase critical thinking and executive function abilities
  • Boost deductive reasoning skills
  • Improve ability to draw conclusions

Shop Best Sellers

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Thoughtfully designed, for you.

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

Aliceann R.

Free Resources

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

From our speech room to yours.

Get the latest & greatest activities right in your inbox.

Made with love in Austin, Texas

speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

© 2020 Shine Speech Activities

Product Added To Your Cart

There are 0 Items In Your Cart

Total Price: $0.00

Compare Product

IMAGES

  1. DBT Problem Solving Worksheet Editable Fillable Printable PDF

    speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

  2. Problem Solving Speech Therapy Worksheet Pdf

    speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

  3. Speech Therapy Cognitive Exercises

    speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

  4. Problem Solving Printable Worksheets

    speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

  5. Functional Problem Solving Worksheets For Adults

    speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

  6. Activities for speech therapy in the SNF; adult speech therapy

    speech therapy problem solving activities for adults

VIDEO

  1. 10/20/2023 Parkinson's Speech Exercises: New York SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Center

  2. 11/30/2023 Parkinson's Speech Exercises: Counting with INTENT

  3. 11/6/2023 Parkinson's Speech Exercises: Occupational Therapy

  4. 10/18/2023 Parkinson's Speech Exercises

  5. 11/24/2023 Parkinson's Speech Exercises: Colorado SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Center

  6. 7/24/2023 Parkinson's Speech Exercises: Gratitude

COMMENTS

  1. 22 Executive Functioning Activities For Adults

    Task Analysis: We break "using the call light" down into three steps: 1) Identify the goal to call the nurse 2) Find the call light and 3) Push the button. Errorless Learning: Focus on accuracy by giving enough cues and emphasizing not guessing. High Number of Practice Trials: Practice the task many times.

  2. 21 Practical Cognitive Tasks That Work

    7. Browse The Web. Review how to open web browsers, use search engines like Google, check email, and close tabs. Even these seemingly simple tasks can be life-changing for motivated patients. 8. Update a Calendar. An ongoing practical cognitive task for patients is updating their calendars.

  3. PDF Just for Adults Deductions

    Kathryn J. Tomlin, M.S., CCC-SLP, has been a speech-language clinician in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and in long-term care facilities for over 25 years. She has authored many materials with LinguiSystems over the last 20 years. Some of her works include: WALC 1(Workbook of Activities for Language and Cognition)- Aphasia Rehab

  4. 11 Cognitive Speech Therapy Activities For Adults Free PDF

    Calculate the costs of lodging and food. 9. Math in Everyday Life: Shopping Spree! We originally called this activity "Weekly Ads"….but that didn't sound as fun as a shopping spree! Come up with cognitive speech therapy activities for adults around planning and creating a shopping list.

  5. 7 Executive Functioning Strategies for Adults PDF

    In this post, you'll find 7 step-by-step executive functioning strategies for adults—plus free PDF worksheets for your speech therapy patients! Executive functioning covers a lot. From problem solving, to initiation, to awareness, it can be hard to even know where to begin.

  6. 55 Aphasia Treatment Activities

    In this article, you'll find 55 aphasia treatment activities—plus step-by-step treatment guides, and free PDFs! Click for expressive aphasia and receptive ideas to use in your speech therapy practice. ... Adult Speech Therapy. Assess, treat, and document with more confidence and ease. Learn More. Featured on.

  7. 22 Executive Functioning Activities for Adults

    Use problem-solving leadership when education to use one smart speaker. Create a worksheet to search teach the steps. SET AN ALARM. SET ADENINE TIMER. SET MEMORY. ADD AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CALENDAR "Set a speech therapy appointment for every Monday at 10 am" CHECK A CALENDAR "When is Mother's Day?" SPELLING. CALCULATIONS

  8. 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

    Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem. Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and needs help solving.

  9. 22 Executive Functioning Activities for Adults

    Problem solving therapy has been described while pragmatic, effective real easy to learn. It is an approach that makes sense to patients and professionals, does not require years of training and… The goal isn't to improve her math skillsets.

  10. Problem Solving Scenarios

    These 100 problem-solving scenarios present real-life problems that clients must navigate at school and home. Have the client discuss what they would do if…. 1. You are visiting relatives that you don't know very well. Your parents ask you to sit down and talk to them. 2. Your family sits down for a special meal.

  11. Problem Solving Activities for Adults Speech Therapy

    Some of the commonly practised problem solving activities within adult speech therapy are: Tongue Exercises: The first step in re-training oneself to practise correct speech patterns should be to gain better control over the tongue. Moving and exercising is an essential part of speech therapy. Tongue training exercises can help the mouth to ...

  12. Problem Solving Activities For Adults Speech Therapy

    Problem solving activities are an essential component of speech therapy for adults. These activities help individuals develop and improve their communication skills by challenging their cognitive abilities. By engaging in problem solving tasks, adults can enhance their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.

  13. Functional Toolbox: Cookbook

    The Functional Toolbox posts explore how we could use functional, real-life items in speech therapy, to exercise language or cognitive skills, or practice strategies that improve function. Some patients have a negative reaction to worksheets, so using functional, tangible items is another vehicle we can use to target patient-centered goals or strategies. Toolbox Item: Cookbook! Food is […]

  14. Adult Speech Therapy

    15 different speech therapy exercises for adults—using a monthly calendar! ... Use the calendar as a visual reminder that the patient has a deficit in memory, problem-solving, visual neglect, etc. as well as to remind them of upcoming events. ... For more attention treatment ideas, see Attention Activities for Adults. 11. Selective Attention

  15. Speech Therapy Strategies for Effective Problem Solving

    Effective problem solving consists of several key components: Identifying the problem: Recognizing and defining the issue at hand. Generating possible solutions: Brainstorming and considering different options. Evaluating and selecting the best solution: Assessing the pros and cons of each option and choosing the most appropriate one ...

  16. Problem Solving Speech Therapy Materials

    Word Retrieval Worksheets Bundle. Rated 5.00 out of 5. $ 19.99 Add to cart. Showing all 17 results. Shop Problem Solving speech therapy materials created by Medical SLPs. Browse activities, worksheets, evaluations, and handouts for Problem Solving.

  17. 10 practical cognitive therapy activities

    10 practical cognitive therapy activities. I'm sharing 10 practical cognitive therapy activities that I've done with my patients recently, with suggested SMART goals. Details have been changed to protect privacy. Free DIRECT download: 17 SMART cognitive goals (cheat sheet). ( Email subscribers get free access to all the resources in the ...

  18. The Ultimate Adults' Guide to Speech Therapy

    Explore adult speech therapy. From finding the right therapist to setting personalized goals and getting tools to maximise therapy, learn how therapy can enhance communication, boost confidence, and improve your quality of life. ... Adults with issues related to memory, attention, problem-solving, or other cognitive aspects of communication can ...

  19. Free Speech Therapy Activities

    Free speech therapy activities - Download 90+ printable PDFs, games, worksheets, and therapy materials for a variety of skills.

  20. Speech Therapy Activities

    From our speech room to yours. Get the latest & greatest activities right in your inbox. Speech therapy materials and activities for speech and language disorders. Free and fun SLP therapy materials. Read-to-use, digital and printable, no prep speech activities.

  21. Executive Function Deficits

    Older adults may have difficulty completing tasks such as problem solving through home repairs and managing finances. EF deficits in older adults may contribute to higher risk of falls in older adults—particularly those with balance and gait impairments who may rely on cognitive skills to compensate for physical problems (Kearney et al., 2013 ...

  22. Medication Management Worksheet: 14 Speech ...

    Medication Management Worksheet: 14 Speech Therapy Activities Free PDF. By Miwa & Chung / September 6, 2022. Welcome to our 3-part series exploring treatment ideas using classic speech therapy materials! Part 1 covered 15 Exercises Using a Monthly Calendar while Part 2 laid out 9 Treatment Ideas Using Reading Passages.

  23. Enhancing Communication: The Benefits of Cognitive Speech Therapy for

    Our speech pathologists work closely with adults to assess and target specific cognitive-communication challenges, including attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive function difficulties. By tailoring therapy plans to individual needs, Connected Speech Pathology aims to improve overall communication skills and help individuals regain ...