Social and Pragmatic Language Difficulties

Social and pragmatic language difficulties may present as challenges in interacting in social situations, knowing how to interact with peers, or taking turns during play.  

A child may tend to understand literal language and may have trouble understanding verbal and nonverbal cues when interacting with other people. Additionally, these skill challenges impact their ability to make and keep friends.  

Social communication skills that may be addressed in therapy include but are not limited to:: 

Using language – for example, when to say “hello,” or when to say “please.” 

Voice modulation  – for example, using a quieter voice in an indoor conversation but a more playful loud voice on the playground. 

Following social rules – for example, taking turns while talking, not talking over people, being respectful of other people when interacting, and practicing being a leader and also being a follower when in a group.

During therapy sessions at Skills on the Hill, our therapists create opportunities for children to interact with other people and peers in our office to practice pragmatic language skills.  This can sometimes look like playing a game with another child or working to set up a craft activity, snack, or obstacle course. 

A very important part of therapy is caregiver education and supporting the child in practicing at home and in other “real life” settings that are not scripted or unpredictable.