Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

A SLP is working with school-aged children diagnosed with ASD. Which pragmatic goal is of GREATEST BENEFIT for these children?

1. Sharing interests with other group members

2. Generating polite requests and responses

3. Determining appropriate questions for group members

4. Understanding other group members' feelings

The correct answer is: Sharing interests with other group members

Focusing on sharing interests with other group members is particularly beneficial for school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because it fosters social engagement and communication. By encouraging children to discuss common interests, the speech-language pathologist can enhance their ability to initiate and maintain conversations, which is often a challenge for children with ASD. Sharing interests serves as a foundation for building relationships, as it allows children to connect with peers, increase social interaction, and practice social skills in a supportive environment. When children feel comfortable discussing topics they are passionate about, it not only reduces social anxiety but also promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance among their peers. This approach aligns with the natural tendencies of children to bond over shared interests, making it a powerful strategy for improving pragmatic language skills. While the other options—generating polite requests and responses, determining appropriate questions, and understanding other group members' feelings—are all important components of social communication, they may not yield the same immediate and engaging connections that sharing interests can provide. Hence, focusing on shared interests maximizes the potential for meaningful social interactions and communication for children with ASD.