LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 25:10 October 2025
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Selvi M. Bunce, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
         Nathan Mulder Bunce, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Honorary Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Pragmatic Language Development and Impairments in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Review

KSH Rameshori Devi and
Prof. Mayengbam Bidyarani Devi

Abstract

Pragmatic language refers to how individuals use language effectively and appropriately within social contexts. It involves the ability to interpret meaning beyond words understanding tone, intent, and nonverbal cues during communication. This review examines the development of pragmatic language in typically developing children and highlights the nature of pragmatic impairments in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In typical development, pragmatic competence emerges gradually through early interactions, joint attention, and social engagement. In contrast, children with ASD often display difficulties in conversational reciprocity, topic maintenance, and interpreting figurative or nonliteral language, even when their grammar and vocabulary are intact. These challenges are linked to underlying differences in joint attention, theory of mind, and executive functioning. The review further discusses the social, educational, and long-term implications of pragmatic deficits and emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive, technology-supported, and ecologically valid interventions. Strengthening pragmatic competence is crucial for enhancing communication, social integration, and overall quality of life in individuals with ASD.

Keywords:Pragmatic language, social communication, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Joint attention, Theory of mind, Intervention

Introduction

Pragmatic language refers to the ability to use language in ways that are socially appropriate and contextually meaningful. It encompasses the unspoken rules of social communication that guide how individuals initiate and respond during interactions. Beyond correct grammar and vocabulary, pragmatics enables people to build relationships, interpret intentions, and use nonverbal cues such as gestures, tone, and eye contact effectively (Bishop, 1997; Tager-Flusberg, 2000).

Language can be understood as having both structural and functional components. The structural aspect includes syntax, semantics, and phonology, while the functional component pragmatics focuses on how language is used to achieve communicative goals in specific contexts (Paul, Norbury, & Gosse, 2018). Whereas structural accuracy ensures linguistic correctness, pragmatic competence ensures social appropriateness.

Pragmatic ability underpins the development of peer relationships, classroom participation, and broader social inclusion. When impaired, as seen in various developmental conditions, difficulties in conversational reciprocity, topic maintenance, and interpreting figurative meaning can lead to social withdrawal and communication breakdowns.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

KSH Rameshori Devi
Ph.D. Research Scholar,
Department of Linguistics
Manipur International University, Manipur
ramyrameshori@gmail.com
&
Prof. Mayengbam Bidyarani Devi
Professor, Department of Linguistics
Manipur International University, Manipur
bidyaranimayengbam5@gmail.com
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