Functional Communication Skills Training for Adults in South Florida
Being able to communicate isn’t just about perfect grammar or long conversations — it’s about making your needs known, connecting with others, and navigating daily life.
If a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition has made everyday communication difficult, Functional Communication Skills Training can help. Nina provides in-home speech therapy focused on practical, goal-oriented communication that makes a real difference in your life — from ordering a coffee to asking for help or talking with loved ones.
Begin Functional Communication Skills Training Today
Complete this quick form and Nina will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.
What Is Functional Communication?
Functional communication refers to the ability to express basic needs, understand others, and participate in daily interactions — even when language is limited or impaired.
For many adults, functional communication may include:
Expressing hunger, pain, or discomfort
Asking for help or clarification
Making choices (e.g., food, activities, preferences)
Greeting others or joining a conversation
Following directions or daily routines
Using gestures, drawings, or assistive tools
Participating in social or medical discussions
This type of training helps clients build independence, reduce frustration, and engage more confidently in the world around them.
Who Benefits from This Therapy?
Functional communication therapy is ideal for adults with:
Aphasia (language loss after stroke or brain injury)
Dysarthria or apraxia (motor speech disorders)
Cognitive-communication disorders
Dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Progressive conditions like Parkinson’s or ALS
Developmental disabilities or nonverbal conditions
It’s also helpful for caregivers looking for effective ways to support communication at home.
Nina’s Approach to Functional Communication
As an SLP with years of experience, Nina tailors each therapy plan around the individual’s daily needs, abilities, and environment. Her goal is to help clients say what matters most — even if that means using gestures, writing, or assistive tools instead of full sentences.
Therapy may include:
Real-life practice with tasks like phone calls, greetings, or meal-related language
Word-finding strategies and alternative ways to express ideas
Visual supports like cue cards or personalized notebooks
Yes/no boards or basic choice-making systems
Partner training for family and caregivers
In-home role-playing for medical visits, conversations, or emergencies
The goal is always practical communication that fits the person’s lifestyle, goals, and comfort level.
Functional Goals, Real Results
While every therapy plan is different, Nina helps clients achieve meaningful communication goals that directly impact their daily lives and relationships. Her approach focuses on what matters most to you—restoring the connections and independence that make life fulfilling.
Real-Life Communication Goals Nina Helps You Achieve:
Letting someone know when they're hungry, in pain, or tired Being able to express your basic needs clearly and confidently ensures your comfort and safety. Nina works with you to develop reliable ways to communicate these essential needs, whether through speech, gestures, technology, or a combination of methods that work best for you.
Responding to basic questions at the doctor's office Medical appointments require clear communication about symptoms, concerns, and treatment preferences. Nina helps you practice answering common medical questions, expressing pain levels, describing symptoms, and advocating for your healthcare needs with confidence.
Making meal choices or asking for help Food preferences, dietary restrictions, and the need for assistance are fundamental daily communications. Nina ensures you can express your food choices, ask for help when needed, and communicate about eating difficulties or preferences clearly to family members and caregivers.
Joining in family conversations Staying connected with loved ones is essential for emotional well-being. Nina helps you develop strategies to participate in family discussions, share stories and memories, express your thoughts and feelings, and maintain your important role in family relationships.
Staying socially connected despite speech loss Social isolation doesn't have to be a consequence of communication challenges. Nina teaches you techniques to maintain friendships, participate in community activities, engage in phone or video calls, and continue enjoying social relationships that bring joy to your life.
In-Home Therapy for Real-Life Communication
Nina provides functional communication therapy in your home, so that every skill is learned in the exact setting where it will be used. From the living room to the kitchen table, therapy is grounded in comfort, privacy, and immediate relevance.
Functional communication skills are essential for everyday life — from ordering a meal to making a phone call.
Nina’s in-home training focuses on practical, real-world communication strategies so clients can express themselves confidently and effectively in the situations that matter most.
She works with adults throughout:
Lantana and surrounding areas
Book a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one struggles with daily communication, Nina is here to help. With patience, clinical skill, and real-world strategies, she can help you say what you need — and be understood.
Call (561) 797-2343 or fill out the Contact Form to schedule your free consultation.
Because every word — and every connection — matters.
Frequently Asked Questions: Functional Communication Skills Training
What is functional communication?
Functional communication means the ability to communicate effectively in everyday life — even if language is limited. It includes basic needs, social interactions, and safety-related communication, like:
Asking for help
Saying “yes” or “no”
Expressing hunger, pain, or emotions
Making choices
Responding to simple questions
Greeting people or joining conversations
The goal is to help individuals feel more confident, understood, and independent, even if they aren’t using full sentences.
Who needs functional communication therapy?
Functional communication therapy is often used for adults who have:
Aphasia (after stroke or brain injury)
Dysarthria or apraxia (speech production disorders)
Cognitive-communication impairments
Dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Parkinson’s, ALS, or other neurological conditions
Limited or nonverbal communication
It’s also valuable for individuals with progressive speech loss, or those who are unable to return to full conversational speech but still need to communicate.
What’s the difference between functional communication and traditional speech therapy?
Traditional speech therapy may focus on rebuilding grammar, pronunciation, or structured language.
Functional communication therapy focuses on what matters most right now — helping someone express basic needs, make decisions, and interact meaningfully with others, even if that’s through gestures, pictures, or assistive tools.
It’s especially useful for people with severe impairments, progressive conditions, or cognitive challenges.
What does functional communication therapy include?
Therapy is personalized, but may involve:
Using simple words or phrases for common needs
Training with yes/no boards, cue cards, or picture books
Practicing how to ask questions, give feedback, or participate in conversations
Teaching family or caregivers how to support communication
Role-playing real situations (e.g., doctor visits, meal choices, emergencies)
Strengthening communication strategies like writing, pointing, or drawing
It’s not about perfect speech — it’s about making life easier and more connected.
Can nonverbal adults benefit from this therapy?
Yes. Nina works with individuals who are nonverbal or have severely limited speech to find effective ways to communicate — through gestures, writing, communication boards, or AAC tools.
Functional communication therapy helps them express needs, reduce frustration, and feel more engaged in daily life.
Do you work with caregivers?
Absolutely. Nina involves caregivers at every stage of therapy. She teaches:
How to prompt and support communication without pressure
How to recognize signs of frustration or miscommunication
Strategies for shared routines like meals, hygiene, and medical visits
How to support progress between therapy sessions
Caregiver training makes therapy more effective and sustainable.
Can this therapy help people with dementia?
Yes. While dementia affects memory and language over time, functional communication therapy can:
Preserve key communication abilities
Teach compensatory strategies
Reduce frustration and isolation
Improve quality of life for both patients and families
Make daily routines more predictable and collaborative
Nina adapts therapy based on the stage of dementia and the client’s goals.
Do you offer therapy at home?
Yes. Nina provides in-home therapy, which allows her to focus on real-life interactions and environments. Sessions often take place in the kitchen, living room, or wherever the client spends their day — making therapy immediately relevant.
What other speech therapy services do you provide?
Cognitive-Communication Therapy – Improves memory, focus, reasoning, and problem-solving skills after illness, injury, or neurological changes.
Speech Production & Articulation Therapy – Makes speech sounds clearer and easier to understand.
Language Therapy (Aphasia, etc.) – Restores speaking, understanding, reading, and writing skills affected by stroke, brain injury, or other conditions.
Voice Therapy – Strengthens and improves voice quality, pitch, and endurance.
Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia) – Builds swallowing strength and teaches safe eating and drinking techniques.
Reading & Writing Support – Helps rebuild literacy skills impacted by injury or neurological conditions.
Progressive Disease Communication Support – Maintains and adapts communication abilities for conditions like Parkinson’s, ALS, and dementia.
What areas do you serve?
Nina offers functional communication training throughout Palm Beach County, including:
West Palm Beach and nearby areas
How do I get started?
Nina offers a free phone consultation to understand your needs, answer questions, and recommend the next steps.
Call (561) 797-2343 or use the Contact Form to schedule.
Ready to begin?
If you or someone you care about is experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties, Nina is here to provide expert, compassionate support. Complete the form below, and you’ll hear from us within 24 hours to talk about your goals and arrange your first session.