Language Pragmatic Assessment Model (LPA)
The Relationship between Oral Language Abilities and Pragmatic Language
Oral/Verbal Language
Words are tools used to think, express our ideas and feelings, and for us to learn about the world and the world to learn about us. Children diagnosed with high functioning autism, PDD, Asperger’s, Non-Verbal Learning Disorders (NVLD) and often children with attention issues have difficulty extracting meaning, by what is seen, heard and said. Often the more stimulating the environment becomes the more difficult it is for these individuals to acquire the needed information to navigate social relationships or environments. Therefore, limited awareness of social pragmatics and fundamental language abilities often result in social deficits.
Non-Verbal Language
Pragmatics or the social aspect of our language includes being able to interpret another person’s intentions and emotions, understanding social rules in a variety of environments, and displaying appropriate reactions to a wide range of events. Pragmatics also includes being able to interpret nonverbal messages such as facial expressions, and describing events in logical terms. “Social awkwardness” may be viewed by others as detachment from emotional events, inflexible thought and unsophisticated thought processes.
As children with these disorders enter adolescence, they become acutely aware of their differences. This may lead to depression and anxiety. The depression, if not treated, may persist into adulthood. (Mark Hutten, 10/09)
The Role of the
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
At Pathway Speech and Language, our Social Cognition Team consists of Speech Language Pathologist, Amber Cloy, MS CCC/SLP and our Social Thinking Mentor, Cherie Bennett. Our other qualified Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) collaborate with the team in helping those students whose receptive and expressive language deficiencies are linked to their difficulties within the pragmatic/social language realm.
Why Assess?
The purpose of our oral language assessment is to provide our Social Cognition Team with essential information regarding your child’s oral language profile and what impact any oral language deficits or discrepancies are having on your child’s social relationships. This assessment helps in describing your child’s abilities to use language as a social tool.
The Assessment
Within the Language Pragmatic Assessment (LPA) model, standardized tests will be administered.
After reviewing your child’s profile, Gail Lindley, MS CCC/SLP, Director of Pathway; Amber Cloy, MS CCC/SLP, Director of Social Cognition Groups and Co-Director, Cherie Bennett, Social Thinking Mentor, TAIII, will meet to determine which assessment battery will be administered during your child’s testing session.
LPA Assessment Information
The LPA is a two-hour testing session conducted by one of our qualified Speech Language Pathologists.
If recent speech language testing from another certified speech language pathologist is accepted by the Social Cognition Team, the LPA assessment will not be required.
Recent testing is considered six-months.
Scheduling
If you have any questions about your child’s LPA assessment or need to schedule your child’s assessment time, please contact our office at
817-424-4299.
Thank you for sharing your child with us,
Gail Lindley, MS CCC/SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Director