How Speech Pathologists Support Recovery After Pediatric Brain Injury

When a child experiences an acquired brain injury (ABI), the effects can ripple through every part of their life — from how they speak and eat to how they think, learn, and interact with others. The road to recovery can feel overwhelming for families, but speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are a critical part of the rehabilitation team, helping children regain essential skills and supporting families through every stage of the journey.

In this post, we'll explore how SLPs help children heal and thrive after a brain injury, from the hospital to home.

In 2022, approximately 2.3 million children and adolescents aged ≤17 years had ever received a diagnosis of a concussion or brain injury.

Falls are the leading cause of TBI for children aged 0–4 years.

The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Speech-language pathologists play a unique and vital role in supporting recovery after a pediatric brain injury. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, SLPs may address:

1. Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties

• Many children experience dysphagia (swallowing disorders) after a brain injury, making it unsafe to eat or drink.

• SLPs perform clinical assessments and recommend strategies or alternative feeding methods to keep the child safe while supporting oral-motor recovery.

• Therapy may focus on rebuilding safe swallowing patterns, improving strength and coordination, and gradually reintroducing oral feeding when appropriate.

2. Communication Challenges

• Brain injuries can impact a child's ability to understand and express language, including speaking, writing, or using alternative communication methods.

• SLPs assess speech and language skills and create individualized therapy plans to help children rebuild their communication abilities.

• For some children, this might mean supporting nonverbal communication at first through gestures, signs, or communication devices.

3. Cognitive-Communication Skills

• Thinking and communication are deeply connected. SLPs help children who struggle with:

  • Attention and focus

  • Memory

  • Problem-solving

  • Organizing thoughts

  • Social communication

• Therapy may include exercises and real-life activities to strengthen these skills, both in therapy and in the child's everyday life.

4. Family Education and Support

• Recovery is not just about the child — it's about the whole family learning to adapt and support new challenges.

• SLPs coach families on how to support communication and feeding at home, set realistic expectations, and celebrate small milestones along the way.

Where SLPs Work Along the Continuum of Care

SLPs support children with brain injury across multiple settings:

Acute care: Assessing swallowing safety and communication needs soon after the injury

Inpatient rehabilitation: Intensive therapy focusing on regaining lost skills

Outpatient clinics and home health: Supporting long-term development, adapting therapy goals as the child grows

Schools: Helping children reintegrate into the classroom with accommodations and support plans

Pediatric acquired brain injury can be life-changing, but with skilled, compassionate support, children can continue to grow, learn, and reconnect with their world. Speech-language pathologists are proud to walk alongside families during this journey — rebuilding not just speech and swallowing, but confidence, connection, and hope.

Little Eaters & Talkers can help your family. Contact us by email or book an appointment online.