In autism spectrum disorder, language development commonly shows

In autism spectrum disorder, language development commonly shows

• A. Uniformly delayed language with no variation.
• B. Highly advanced pragmatic skills compared to peers.
• C. Atypical pragmatics, prosody, and joint attention; language can be intact or delayed.
• D. No social communication difficulties.

Answer: (C)

Language in autism centers on how people use language in social contexts, not just how much they speak. Atypical pragmatics means difficulties with the social rules of communication—taking turns, staying on topic, interpreting indirect language, and using language appropriately in different situations. Prosody often differs as well, with flat, monotone, or unusual rhythm and intonation. Joint attention, the ability to share attention with another person on an object or event, is commonly impaired. Because of these social-communication differences, language outcomes vary widely: some individuals have intact vocabulary and grammar but struggle with social use, while others may have delays in language development. This variability is characteristic of autism, whereas the other statements imply uniform delays, unusually advanced social use, or no social-communication difficulties, which don’t fit the pattern.

Language in autism centers on how people use language in social contexts, not just how much they speak. Atypical pragmatics means difficulties with the social rules of communication—taking turns, staying on topic, interpreting indirect language, and using language appropriately in different situations. Prosody often differs as well, with flat, monotone, or unusual rhythm and intonation. Joint attention, the ability to share attention with another person on an object or event, is commonly impaired. Because of these social-communication differences, language outcomes vary widely: some individuals have intact vocabulary and grammar but struggle with social use, while others may have delays in language development. This variability is characteristic of autism, whereas the other statements imply uniform delays, unusually advanced social use, or no social-communication difficulties, which don’t fit the pattern.