Pragmatics

Pragmatics, or the social context and use of language, allows effective and successful communication in discourse and text and involves understanding meaning beyond the sentence structure and the vocabulary produced. The social use of language relies on the form and content of an utterance, as well as on nonverbal communication and contextual cues. Pragmatics also involves the use of language for different purposes, modifying language to suit a particular circumstance, and following social rules. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) often exhibit impairments in pragmatic functioning, which can affect their participation in academic, occupational, and social activities. This entry examines pragmatic functions, how individuals with ID/DD struggle with pragmatics, and some common interventions.