Focusing on practical aspects of communication is essential to the well-being of adolescent development. Pragmatic language therapy is an approach within speech language therapy designed at improving an individual’s ability to utilize language effectively in social contexts. This type of therapy is specialized for children with autism spectrum disorders, communication challenges, and other conditions that affect social communication. This article will highlight the aspects of communication that include speech language therapy.
Goals of Pragmatic Language Therapy.
The goal of pragmatic language therapy is to help children achieve communication skills effectively in groups and within relationships. Improving social skills can enhance the ability to maintain conversations and engage in appropriate social cues. Enhanced nonverbal communication is designed to interpret communication using body language and facial expressions. Turn taking is learning to take turns in conversations and participate in Group discussions without dominating or withdrawing. This is a type of speech language therapy. All of these skills were developed to enhance contextual awareness, giving children the skills they need to understand language and behavior accordingly.
Strategies & Goals.
There are many ranges of strategies and activities that can be used to increase a child’s needs and goals in relation to language communication. Things like role-playing everyday life can enhance social interactions, greetings, and handling disagreements. The child can also learn through video modeling, or watching and discussing videos of social interactions that help individuals understand appropriate behaviors and responses. Often visual aids are used to support communication through queue cards, social scripts, and boards that help understand language and behavior.
Group Therapy.
One of the most effective ways to help a child that is struggling with communication is through group therapy. Group sessions give many opportunities for children interested in practicing social communication and the supportive environment with like minded children. From there, feedback and self-monitoring is incorporated to give constructive feedback on self-behavior and language within group social situations.
Benefits of Pragmatic Language Therapy.
The benefits of pragmatic language therapy, at their core, is enhanced quality of life and improved relationships. By developing the social skills necessary to provide enhanced communication, children can lead a better and more fulfilled life socially. Additional benefits include academic success, career advancement oh, general overall well being and acceptance.