Pragmatic language refers to how we use language in social situations—how we take turns in conversation, interpret body language, or adjust our tone based on context. A pragmatic language disorder affects these social communication skills, making it difficult to engage appropriately with others in everyday interactions.
This disorder may occur on its own or alongside other diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or social anxiety.
Common Signs of Pragmatic Language Difficulties
Difficulty starting or maintaining conversations
Talking “off-topic” or dominating conversations
Trouble understanding humor, idioms, or sarcasm
Limited use of gestures, eye contact, or facial expressions
Difficulty interpreting others’ tone of voice or body language
Challenges with turn-taking, personal space, or knowing when/how to join a group
Trouble adapting language based on setting (e.g., formal vs. casual)
Assessment & Therapy Approach
We begin with a combination of:
Observation in structured and natural play or conversation settings
Standardized social language assessments and checklists
Input from families and educators (when appropriate)
Therapy is tailored to each client’s age, developmental level, and needs, and may include:
Social stories and scripts
Video modeling and feedback
Role-playing real-life situations
Group therapy or peer-based interaction sessions
Direct teaching of social rules and perspective-taking
Parent & Caregiver Involvement
Family participation is essential for generalization of skills. We support caregivers by:
Teaching strategies to model and reinforce appropriate social behaviors
Coaching families on how to support practice at home, in school, and in the community
Providing tools and resources for everyday communication challenges
Social communication is key to confidence, relationships, and everyday life.
If your child or a loved one struggles with social language skills, contact us at (845) 294-0661 or click below to schedule an evaluation.
