Advoacate Like A Mother

Pragmatic Language: What is It and Does My Child Have Deficits?

BY MARIA GIANCOTTI, M.ED - STUDENT ADVOCACY MICHIGAN

During class, the teacher says, “Okay, everyone, put on your thinking caps!” 8-year-old Lily, who struggles with pragmatic language, looks puzzled. She raises her hand and says, “But I don’t have a cap!” The teacher smiles and explains, “It’s just a way of saying we need to focus and think hard.”

This highlights how children with pragmatic language challenges can take figurative language literally, leading to funny misunderstandings! If this sounds like your child, keep reading!

WHAT IS PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE?

Pragmatic language refers to the social use of language—how individuals use language in different contexts to communicate effectively in everyday life. These skills are about knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it, or “the rules of conversation.” The rules help us know when to take turns speaking, understand jokes or sarcasm, read non-verbal cues, use appropriate greetings, and change the way we talk depending on who we’re with (talking to a teacher versus a friend).

IMPACTS OF PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE DEFICITS AT SCHOOL AND IN SOCIETY:

Pragmatic language challenges can make it hard for kids to understand figurative language, follow conversations, and work in groups, impacting both learning and friendships. They may misunderstand instructions or seem rude without meaning to. Outside of school, they might miss social cues, struggle with humor, and find conversations awkward, making it difficult to form or keep friendships. These difficulties often lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and frustration, despite their desire to connect with others.

IEP ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use a variety of assessments to evaluate pragmatic language skills. These assessments help determine how well a child uses language in social contexts. Knowing what assessments to ask for can be key. Some common tools and methods include:

1. Standardized Tests

Common standardized tests include CELF-5, TOPL-2, SLDT, and PLSI. Ask your school SLP for more information.

2. Observational Assessments

SLPs do observations in natural settings (e.g., during conversations with peers or in a classroom). They assess how the child takes turns in conversation, follows social rules (e.g., eye contact, greetings), interprets body language and facial expressions, and adjusts language based on the situation.

3. Language Sample Analysis

By recording and analyzing a spontaneous conversation or storytelling session, SLPs can see how a child uses language in a real-world context. They may evaluate topic maintenance (staying on topic), use of appropriate tone and language for the situation, and how the child responds to questions and comments.

4. Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)

This is a parent or teacher report focusing on broader social communication issues. It is often used to screen for autism spectrum disorders and helps assess pragmatic language.

5. Checklists and Rating Scales

These are often used by parents, teachers, or SLPs to rate the child’s pragmatic language skills in various settings. (e.g., CCC-2 and FCP-R).

6. Structured Play or Role-Playing

The SLP may engage the child in role-playing or structured activities to observe how they use language to solve social problems or handle different scenarios.

IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD MAY STRUGGLE WITH PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE:

If you have concerns about your child’s social language skills, make sure that you address it in your next IEP meeting. By asking for the right evaluations the team can help determine areas of pragmatic language deficits and develop a support plan for your child. Make sure your child’s IEP addresses their specific social communication needs. School support for pragmatic language deficits may include speech and language therapy, social skills training, classroom accommodations, modified assignments, social/ emotional goals, BIP (behavior intervention plan), teacher/staff training, inclusive opportunities for social interactions and progress monitoring. For more detailed information on IEP pragmatic language supports, visit the FREE DOWNLOAD page on our website at www.studentadvocacymi.com and download a copy of our Pragmatic Language Support document. Use this list in your next IEP meeting to discuss options for your child.