Say What? Social Pragmatics & Autism

In Latin, commūnicāre means "to share” and its derivative, communication, defines the two-way process of sharing of ideas and thoughts that is such an essential part of our every day lives. During an exchange, both the sending and receiving are of equal importance. Such a basic communication skill may sound naturally simplistic for some but for other individuals, however, it is far from natural.

No Filter

How often have you been in a situation, whether social or business, and someone makes a statement or asks a question that has you scratching your head; not in the "I don’t know the answer" way, but in the “I can’t believe they just said that” way. Perhaps your initial reaction is one of amusement or embarrassment. However, the individual may actually have difficulty in communicating appropriately due to a lack of social pragmatics.

Social Language Use

Pragmatics describes the common social use of language and the means individuals use to engage in social interaction with others, whether verbal (talking) or non-verbal (facial expressions, body language.) Social pragmatics is usually cited as a core challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD.)

According the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), an individual who struggles with pragmatic problems may:

• say inappropriate or unrelated things during conversations
• tell stories in a disorganized way
• have little variety in language use

ASHA further categorizes pragmatics to include three major communication skills: using language, changing language and following rules of language. ASHA explains the skills giving specific examples:

Using language describes the ways in which we use words in differing settings and for different purposes, such as:

1. greeting (e.g., hello, goodbye)
2. informing (e.g., I'm going to get a cookie)
3. demanding (e.g., Give me a cookie)
4. promising (e.g., I'm going to get you a cookie)
5. requesting (e.g., I would like a cookie, please)

Changing language indicates how we will adopt our manner of speaking according to the specifics of the audience and the social setting in which we are communicating. Examples include:

1. talking differently to a baby than to an adult
2. giving background information to an unfamiliar listener
3. speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground

Following rules of language indicates the normal social conventions accepted and used in conversations and storytelling, such as:

1. taking turns in conversation
2. introducing topics of conversation
3. staying on topic
4. rephrasing when misunderstood
5. how to use verbal and nonverbal signals
6. how close to stand to someone when speaking
7. how to use facial expressions and eye contact

Leanne Lucia, Director of Speech & Language Services for the Collaborative Center for Learning and Development, has experience dealing with children as young as two who are dealing with communication and social pragmatic issues and states that early intervention is important. Basically, individuals who struggle in this area can’t help themselves, explains Leanne, “they don’t understand the social rules.”  Leanne further explains, “it is being aware that in a social situation with another person, what is acceptable language and utilizing behavior that is socially acceptable.” Examples given by Leanne of being “in tune with your communication partner” include “you should look at them, demonstrate interest, and be aware of someone else’s perspective and opinion. It’s knowing when to pause to ask the question does that make sense?” Just as important, Leanne points out, is body language; “don’t turn away from the person” is a pragmatic and well-understood norm other than by those lacking social pragmatics.

Social Self-Awareness

Social pragmatics will in turn impact peer interactions also since all individuals need to be taught what is considered the appropriate language and manners of social interaction. Remember your mother saying, “unless you have something nice to say don’t say anything a tall,” or “don’t talk with food in your mouth.” Those who have difficulty with pragmatics struggle not only with these rules but they also do not understand idioms, sarcasm or tone of voice. The concepts of having to learn taking turns, staying on topic, resisting the urge to interrupt are all learned and lead to social self-awareness. A lack of knowledge or ability to apply them appropriately results in a breakdown in communications, social interactions and peer relationships, potentially throughout one’s life.

Leanne counsels those learning social pragmatics to watch television, videos or the news to observe how others interact. Other exercises include tape-recording themselves to create a sense of self-awareness, role-playing to gain understanding and experience in different settings and playing board games, especially those that involve rolling dice or using a spinner, to understand sequencing and ordering in communication and interaction.

Activist, Advocate & Autistic

In 2010, HBO produced a biography, Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes who won several awards for her portrayal of a woman who revolutionized farming practices for raising livestock despite dealing with ASD her entire life. Temple, who did not speak until she was nearly 4, grew up in the 1950s when autism was not recognized, understood or treated. Due to the tenacity of her mother, Temple worked with a speech therapist one-on-one in order to acquire language skills.

In an interview with the Huffington Post after the film’s release, Temple explains that during her interactions with others, “I didn't pick up subtle social signals…I wouldn't have picked up them rolling their eyes and the more subtle stuff.” Temple, now a Professor, is known to look down on the floor and pacing while lecturing. Despite her self-awareness, strong intellect and years of coaching, Temple must continue to face the challenges of social pragmatism each and every day of her life. Later this month, Temple Grandin, will be a featured speaker at the Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Conference in Ventura, California.

Beyond watching the movie, anyone interested in learning more about Temple and her amazing life can read one of the more than ten books she has written. Thinking in Pictures is often recommended, as are her many articles and research papers. Many of Temple’s speeches can be accessed on Ted Talks by clicking here. Temple’s life is an example of how the struggles with social pragmatics can be overcome through coaching and with strong support. She has shown that one can rise to great levels of accomplishment in life, much beyond mere functioning, to a level of the highest success. While difficult, she has shown the world that the limits others may impose about us are often false ones.

For more information about social pragmatics, please contact Leanne Lucia at llucia@greenwichedgroup.com or 203-409-0069.