In the severe degree of cognitive impairment, what is typically observed in terms of communication skills?

• A. Strong verbal communication
• B. Minimal speech and communication ability
• C. Normal development of communication
• D. Advanced non-verbal communication

Answer: (B)

In cases of severe degrees of cognitive impairment, individuals often exhibit minimal speech and communication abilities. This level of impairment significantly affects their cognitive functions, which includes the capacity for language and communication. The neurological deficits associated with severe cognitive impairment can result in challenges such as limited vocabulary, difficulty in forming coherent sentences, and an overall inability to engage in meaningful conversational exchanges.

Often, individuals may have very few words or struggle to express their needs and thoughts verbally. They might rely on non-verbal forms of communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, or other forms of behavior, to convey their feelings and needs. However, the complexity and clarity that typically accompany effective communication are severely compromised.

This phenomenon sets individuals with severe cognitive impairment apart from those who might have strong verbal communication or normal development of communication skills. Rather than displaying advanced non-verbal communication, which suggests effective use of gestures or body language, individuals with severe cognitive impairments tend to have limited and less effective means of communication.