When Brain Injury Affects Speech
Some children who experience brain infections or prolonged hydrocephalus develop difficulty with speech production, word-finding, or language comprehension. These exercises are designed to complement formal speech therapy — not replace it.
Exercise 1: Oral Motor Warm-Up
Puff the cheeks. Blow through a straw. Stick the tongue out and move it left, right, up, down. These simple movements strengthen the muscles used for clear speech.
Exercise 2: Single Word Naming
Show a picture. Ask “What is this?” Wait. If the child struggles, give the first sound of the word as a cue. Celebrate every correct answer, however delayed.
Exercise 3: Repetition Practice
Say a short phrase clearly and slowly. Ask the child to repeat it. Start with 2-word phrases (“big dog”, “red ball”) and build toward 4-5 word sentences over weeks.
Exercise 4: Reading Aloud
Read picture books aloud together. Point to each word as you say it. Then have the child “read” familiar pages from memory. This connects spoken and written language pathways.
Exercise 5: Singing
Children’s songs engage different neural pathways than normal speech. Many children who struggle to produce words can sing them. Use familiar songs — especially those the child knew before the illness.
Working With a Speech Therapist
These exercises work best when aligned with a qualified speech and language therapist’s programme. Ask your therapist to recommend specific home practice tasks tailored to your child’s needs.
Written by Haris Bin Tahir — father, caregiver, and founder of Brain Care Path.