PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE PROCESSING IN AUTISTIC LEARNERS: A STUDY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES
Abstract
This article is dedicated to exploring the pragmatic language processing difficulties faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in interpreting indirect requests, figurative language, and social cues. The study employs a quantitative approach, using a structured language task to assess how autistic learners interpret and respond to polite and indirect language compared to neurotypical peers. The main objective of this research is to investigate the differences in response patterns between autistic and neurotypical learners, specifically focusing on literal versus action-based responses. Conducted as a small-scale study, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the communication challenges faced by individuals with ASD in educational settings and everyday interactions. The findings highlight the challenges autistic learners face in processing nonliteral language, underscoring the need for further pragmatic research to better understand these difficulties. This insight can be valuable for fostering a more inclusive approach to communication, as it points to areas where autistic students may benefit from additional support to navigate social interactions effectively.
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