Pragmatics

Pragmatic language refers to the social use of language—the unwritten rules that govern how we use language in social contexts. Pragmatic skills include taking turns in conversation, maintaining a topic, adjusting language based on the listener and setting, understanding and using nonverbal communication, making inferences, and understanding the intentions behind what people say.

Pragmatic language difficulties can occur in isolation or as part of broader conditions including autism spectrum disorder, social communication disorder, traumatic brain injury, ADHD, and certain genetic syndromes. Children and adults with pragmatic language deficits may struggle to make and maintain friendships, navigate social situations at school or work, and interpret others' intentions and emotions accurately.

Speech-language pathologists provide targeted intervention for pragmatic language skills using structured social skills curricula, role-playing, video modeling, peer-mediated intervention, and real-world practice opportunities. Treatment focuses on building awareness of social expectations, teaching specific pragmatic skills, and supporting generalization of these skills across settings and communication partners.