The start of a new year is an opportunity to reset, reflect, and re-imagine what you want to accomplish. Whether you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent person or managing the challenges of an acquired condition such as stroke, brain injury, or a progressive illness, this transition can be empowering—when approached with intention and the right strategies. As a speech-language pathologist specializing in cognition and communication, I’m here to guide you in building a toolkit for success in organization, planning, time management, problem-solving, socialization, and verbal expression. These skills help you tackle daily tasks and foster overall health and wellness. ![]() Organization: Building a Strong Foundation A well-organized environment and schedule can set the stage for success. For many neurodivergent individuals or those with cognitive changes, clutter—whether physical or mental—can feel overwhelming. Start with these steps:
Planning: Setting Achievable Goals Many individuals struggle with executive functioning, especially when planning to get ahead. But effective planning can transform how you approach your days and weeks.
Balancing tasks and downtime is critical. For those with ADHD, brain injury, or similar challenges, time blindness or fatigue can complicate this.
Problem Solving: Staying Flexible Life throws curve balls, and the ability to solve problems effectively can reduce frustration.
Socialization: Strengthening Connections Social interactions can be both rewarding and daunting. Whether due to social anxiety, speech difficulties, or cognitive changes, many individuals shy away from connection. However, social engagement is vital for mental health.
Verbal Expression: Finding Your Voice For those with challenges in verbal communication—whether due to a stroke, brain injury, or neurodivergence—expressing yourself can be frustrating. But clear communication is foundational to wellness and self-advocacy.
Tying It All Together When these strategies work in harmony, they create a ripple effect across your life:
A Fresh Start for a Healthier You The new year is your chance to embrace growth. Start small, celebrate every win, and remember that setbacks are part of the process. By focusing on building your cognitive and communication toolkit, you can create a year filled with meaningful progress, connection, and joy. If you need guidance along the way, reach out to a speech-language pathologist who can tailor strategies to your unique needs. This year, let’s reset and make it your most empowered year yet! About the Author As a speech-language pathologist specializing in cognitive-communication intervention, I work with individuals navigating neurodivergence and acquired conditions to achieve functional, everyday goals. Through personalized support, I help clients thrive in daily life. - Devon Brunson, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
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Devon Brunson, MS, CCC-SLP, CBISWelcome to the CSL Blog - musings about treatment, education, care, and advocacy. Archives
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