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Pragmatic Language Do humans really understand what they and others are saying? Implications for autistic people.

Phased

An excellent recent thread on Autism Related Terminology started by  and joined in by many fine members of our community has prompted this post.

The post highlighted to me just how important the meaning of words is to myself and perhaps others autistic people.

Maybe word meaning is so important because, as is frequently reported, autistic people often demonstrate difficulties in the communicative use of language compared with neurotypical standards.

A quick internet search reveals scientific studies finding that autistic children exhibit significant difficulties in pragmatics, 

"Pragmatic language refers to how people use language to communicate with one another. Being able to use language in different ways for different purposes and interpret how others use language in social situations is an important skill." 

A really simple way of understanding this is presented in a way that really made sense to me is in this Source What Is Pragmatic Language? - Child Mind Institute

The good person on the video really makes a key point to me about it being how we use language, how it is said and done. and that it might be taught.

Reflection on my own behaviour and other people who I know to be autistic points towards problems with pragmatic language continue well into adulthood.

Hehe maybe and old dog like me can learn new tricks!

Any thoughts on this good people?

Parents
  • Phased said:
    Maybe word meaning is so important because, as is frequently reported, autistic people often demonstrate difficulties in the communicative use of language compared with neurotypical standards.

    Yes, I think so.

    Here's what NAS says about communication for autistic people:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/autism-and-communication#Autistic%20communication%20differences

    Words and their 'correct' usage are exceptionally important to me.

    I find other people tend to talk in approximations and I find many conversations hard to follow and find myself either clarifying speech or correcting it.

    I remember saying at my autism assessment 'I wish people would say what they mean and mean what they say'.

  • in reply to B
    B said:
    Words and their 'correct' usage are exceptionally important to me.

    With language being in constant evolution and the social use of words also in constant flux, how can you be sure you are correct though?

    Bad once meant bad then it meant good for a while then it reverted again - the same is true of many social terms that get adopted by different generations or even movements.

    I was recently told that a dictionary definition of a word was wrong and I should stop using it - should I believe the person or trust the more official keeper of standards?

  • in reply to Iain

    Oh 100% I used to have this problem with words previously all the kids have new words - I bought a dictionary actually to learn about them such “bye feliciaaaaa” what that actually means. Otherwise you’re lost entirely but also trying to use them is hilariously awkward - I gave up 

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  • in reply to Iain

    Oh 100% I used to have this problem with words previously all the kids have new words - I bought a dictionary actually to learn about them such “bye feliciaaaaa” what that actually means. Otherwise you’re lost entirely but also trying to use them is hilariously awkward - I gave up 

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