Language
Language skills encompass receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language skills. These skills change at each stage of language development.
- Receptive language refers to the ability to comprehend spoken, gestural or written language (including Auslan, gestures, etc).
- Expressive language refers to the ability to express words, gestures, symbols, and body language to communicate our wants and needs.
- Pragmatic language refers to the ability to use language in different ways across different contexts, like adjusting tone, understanding implied meanings (sarcasm/humor), managing turn-taking, and interpreting non-verbal communication (eye contact, gestures).
- Early Language refers to language development in the first few years of life. This is a very important period for learning. Parents play a very important role in stimulating language and there are a range of techniques a parent can use to support this.
Language disorders can be developmental or acquired, and often include difficulty with using or understanding language.
Conditions that might impact language skills include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Developmental Language Disorder
- Hearing Loss
- Auditory Processing Disorder
- Genetic Syndromes
- Strokes
- Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injuries
- Cerebral Palsy
- Neurodegenerative Disorders (i.e., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Motor Neuron Disease (ALS), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS))
