Understand what an acquired brain injury is, the different types, how it can affect communication, and the therapy support available to help adults manage speech and swallowing changes in everyday life.
Written by: William Huynh, MPSA-CPSP, Director of Brighter Futures Allied Health
Published: 22 August 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general education only and should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment or personalised clinical advice. If you have concerns about speech, language, voice or swallowing, speak with a qualified speech pathologist or appropriate healthcare professional.
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital condition or a degenerative disease. ABI can result from events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, infection, lack of oxygen to the brain, or other medical conditions.
The effects of an ABI can vary depending on which areas of the brain are affected and the severity of the injury. Some people may experience changes in speech, language, thinking, memory, movement or behaviour, which can affect communication and everyday activities.
Clinician’s Notes: The effects of an acquired brain injury are not always obvious to other people. Someone may look and sound well, but still be finding everyday tasks, conversations, remembering information or staying focused much harder than they did before their injury. These less visible changes can sometimes be mistaken for tiredness, stress or simply not trying hard enough, which can make it difficult for a person to get the understanding and support they need.
Acquired brain injuries are generally grouped into two broad categories based on how the injury occurs: traumatic brain injury and non-traumatic brain injury. Both can affect a person’s communication and everyday functioning, but the causes and nature of the injury can be quite different.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This can happen following a fall, car accident, sporting injury or physical assault. The effects can range from mild to severe and may include changes to speech, language, memory, attention or behaviour.
A non-traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is damaged by an internal event or medical condition rather than an external force. Common causes include stroke, brain infection, lack of oxygen to the brain and some neurological or medical conditions. The effects depend on the area of the brain affected and may include changes in communication, cognition, movement or other aspects of daily life.
Clinician’s Notes: In Australia, falls, transport crashes and assault are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injury, accounting for 39%, 31% and 12% of TBI hospitalisations respectively, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. On the other hand, non-traumatic brain injuries can have very different causes, and the circumstances surrounding the injury can influence the types of support a person may need.
An acquired brain injury can affect speech, language and swallowing in different ways. A person may experience dysarthria, which can cause slurred or unclear speech, as well as difficulty finding or using words, changes to their speech or voice, or difficulty planning and coordinating speech movements. Changes to attention or understanding can also make communication more difficult.
ABI can also cause dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affecting the muscles and coordination needed to chew and swallow safely. Signs may include coughing or choking during meals, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, or taking much longer than usual to eat. A speech pathologist can assess communication and swallowing changes and recommend appropriate strategies and therapy.
Recovery after an acquired brain injury can involve support from several allied health professionals, depending on the changes a person is experiencing and their goals. Therapy may focus on communication, daily activities, movement, independence and returning to everyday routines.
Speech therapy can support people experiencing changes to speech, language, communication or swallowing after an ABI. Therapy may help with clearer speech, finding and using words, understanding information, participating in conversations, using AAC devices when speech is difficult, and developing strategies for safer eating and drinking.
Occupational therapy can help a person manage everyday activities and work towards greater independence following an ABI. This may include support with personal care, household tasks, routines, memory and organisation, as well as adapting activities or environments to make daily life more manageable.
Physiotherapy can support movement, strength, balance and physical function following an ABI. Treatment may focus on improving mobility, coordination and confidence with movement, helping a person participate more safely in everyday activities.
Living with an acquired brain injury can involve changes to communication, movement, thinking and everyday activities. A range of health, community and government services can provide information, practical assistance and ongoing support.
These services can complement personalised care from medical and allied health professionals. Speech therapists and occupational therapists can work alongside the broader healthcare team to support communication, swallowing, independence and participation in everyday life.
William Huynh is a senior speech pathologist and the director of NDIS-registered provider Brighter Futures Allied Health. He has over a decade of experience working with children and adults with complex communication needs, including disability, dysphagia, and acquired language impairments. William has completed specialist training in approaches such as Key Word Sign, LAMP Words for Life, Grid 3, and Hanen’s More Than Words. He also supervises speech pathologists and student placements, supporting evidence-based and family-centred practice.
