New Practice Offers Pragmatic Language Groups for the Teaching of Social Skills
"Pragmatic language is the appropriate use and interpretation of language in relation to the context in which is occurs." (1)
The ability to engage in social interaction is based on the exchange of dialogue in conversation. What are important is not only what is said, but also what is implied by nonverbal cues. Conversation and the exchange of information come naturally to most of us. Our interest in others leads to listening to what they have to say and to sharing information about oneself that is relevant. Most of us can distinguish what to say and how to say it given the circumstances. We also know what not to say. We can read body language and know intuitively if what we are saying is making sense and has meaning to the listener. We can modify what we say given the feedback we are able to interpret from our listener.
There are individuals who have significant challenges with pragmatic language and struggle to connect with people, make friends, keep jobs, succeed in school, and have intimate relationships. The cause of this problem varies but it is a hallmark of those with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and Asperger's Syndrome (an autistic spectrum disorder). Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome are often extremely bright, gifted, and accomplished people who are puzzled by the complexities and subtleties of human interaction. Consequently, pragmatic language needs to be explicitly taught to these individuals.
Lisa Budzek Burr, M.S., CCC-SLP and I have started a practice that is called Autism Specialists of the Berkshires, services for children, young adults, families, professionals, and the community. Lisa is a Speech-Language Pathologist and has a Master of Science degree in communication disorders and Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. I have a Master of Science Degree in Special Education. We both have been awarded a certificate of graduate study in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Antioch University New England, Department of Applied Psychology. Combined, we have 50 years experience of working with individuals with developmental delays and disabilities of all ages.
Our practice offers pragmatic language groups for the teaching of social skills and workshops for professionals that range in topic from "Early Signs of Autism" to "Accommodations and Teaching to Facilitate Social Communication in and out of the Classroom."
For more information, please call (413) 329-4889 or (413) 358-5981.
(1) Abele, E. & Grenier, D. (2005). The language of social communication: running pragmatic groups in schools and clinical settings. L.J. Baker & L.A. Welkowitz (Eds.), Asperger's Syndrome: Intervening in Schools, Clinics, and Communities (p218). New Jersey:Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
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