Disorder the rules for social language known as pragmatics. Pragmatics involve three major communication skills:
Using language for different purposes, such as
- greeting (e.g., hello, goodbye)
- informing (e.g., I'm going to get a cookie)
- demanding (e.g., Give me a cookie)
- promising (e.g., I'm going to get you a cookie)
- requesting (e.g., I would like a cookie, please)
Changing language according to the needs of a listener or situation, such as
- talking differently to a baby than to an adult
- giving background information to an unfamiliar listener
- speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground
Following rules for conversations and storytelling, such as
- taking turns in conversation
- introducing topics of conversation
- staying on topic
- rephrasing when misunderstood
- how to use verbal and nonveral signals
- how close to stand to someone when speaking
- how to use facial expressions and eye contact
It may also be known as semantic/pragmatic language disorder, non-verbal learning disability (NLD), or Asperger’s Syndrome.
Signs & symptoms
- Excessive questioning
- Lack of eye contact
- Aggressive language
- Excessive talk about specific subjects in too much detail
- only talking about him/herself
- Uninterested in other children
- Unable to engage in conversational exchange
- Literal/concrete understanding of language
- Unable to answer open-ended questions such as "what happened?"
- Difficulty with abstract language: verbal problem solving, double meanings, innuendos, jokes
- Unable to take the listener's perspective
- Unable to read/interpret body language, facial expressions
- Unable to express feelings