The Cognitive Communication Strategies Series
Volume 1: Attention
If you've ever searched for an attention resource that actually works in clinical practice, one that covers the evidence and gives you tools you can hand to a client the same day, this is it.
Volume 1: Attention is a 60-page clinical guide built for SLPs working in cognitive-communication rehabilitation. It's grounded in person-centered practice, aligned with INCOG 2.0 recommendations, and organized so you can move straight from understanding to action.
What's inside
Clinician Guide (pp. 4–23) Everything you need to understand, assess, and treat attention difficulties with confidence:
- Types of attention and their functional impact
- How attention is affected after ABI
- The SLP's unique role in attention rehabilitation
- Contributing factors to screen (fatigue, pain, mood, medications, and more)
- Assessment considerations: clinical observation, insight, variability, and multiple information sources
- Evidence-based intervention approaches: direct skills training, strategy training, metacognitive strategy instruction (MSI), environmental modifications, and dual task training Interventions with insufficient evidence, explained clearly so you can respond when clients ask
- A full goal bank with a writing template, skill/strategy categories, and measurement options
- Rating scales for performance, confidence, and effort
Client Handouts (pp. 24–58) Select what fits your client. Print and go.
- My Attention Profile (self-report questionnaire)
- Attention Observation Inventory (caregiver form)
- Goal Tracker
- Attention Strategy Plan
- My Attention Toolbox
- Strategy handouts for every approach: internal strategies (task intention setting, self-talk, monotasking, STOP technique, scheduled breaks, and more), external aids (timers, visual cues, focus apps, checklists, notes, focus logs, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools), and environmental modifications (reducing distractions, body doubling, support from others)
- Caregiver education: "Attention Isn't the Same As Listening" and "Setting Up Your Home to Support Attention"
Appendix
- INCOG 2.0 Attention and Information Processing Speed Recommendations
- References
- Terms of Use
Why clinicians love this resource
✔ Built around real functional goals, not decontextualized cognitive tasks
✔ Covers awareness on a continuum, so you can meet clients where they are
✔ Includes a goal bank for planning and documentation
✔ Client handouts are ready to print with no adapting required
✔ Grounded in current evidence, including INCOG 2.0 (2023)
✔ Designed by an SLP who specializes in cognitive-communication, for clinicians in the same work
Who this is for
Speech-language pathologists working with adults with acquired brain injury, stroke, mTBI, or other neurological conditions who experience attention difficulties affecting daily communication and participation.
This is Volume 1 of the Cognitive Communication Strategies Series. More volumes are on their way.
© Neuro Connections. For clinical use only. See Terms of Use inside the guide.
This guidebook, like everything Danielle creates, is phenomenal! You can tell how much thought, clinical experience, and research went into every section. It is incredibly comprehensive while still being practical and easy to use in everyday therapy sessions.
As an SLP working with individuals with concussion and brain injury, I especially appreciate the balance between evidence-based intervention and functional application. The clinician resources are thorough, and the client handouts, worksheets, strategy tools, and goal-writing resources save valuable preparation time while supporting meaningful, functional intervention. Rather than having to pull information from multiple sources, this guidebook puts everything in one place.
I have purchased many cognitive rehabilitation resources over the years, and this is honestly the most complete research backed attention resource I have seen. It is a valuable resource for both new and experienced clinicians. Whether you work with TBI, stroke, or other neurological populations, this guidebook is a fantastic addition to your clinical toolbox.
I used it the day I got it and will continue to utilize it regularly. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what Danielle creates next!