Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What foundational skills for social use of language are most likely to be deficient in a child seen by an SLP in early intervention?

1. Gestures and vocalizations

2. Vegetative sounds such as coughing and burping

3. Eye contact, joint attention, and taking turns

4. Talking about objects and events

The correct answer is: Eye contact, joint attention, and taking turns

In early intervention settings, foundational skills for social use of language—also known as pragmatic language skills—are crucial for effective communication and social interaction. The correct answer focuses on key elements like eye contact, joint attention, and taking turns, which are essential for engaging and communicating with others in a social context. Eye contact is vital for establishing connections and showing attentiveness during interactions. Joint attention is the shared focus on an object or event, which fosters communication and understanding between individuals; it is a fundamental skill that underpins later conversational abilities. Taking turns is another critical component, as it teaches children the rhythm of conversation and encourages reciprocal interaction. These skills are often found to be deficient in children receiving early intervention, as they are critical for developing social bonds and language usage in interactive settings. Deficiencies in these areas can hinder a child's ability to effectively navigate social situations and form relationships with peers. The other options, while related to communication, do not encompass the broader set of social skills necessary for successful interaction. For instance, gestures and vocalizations are important but are more related to the development of expressive language rather than specific social interaction. Vegetative sounds, such as coughing and burping, are involuntary and not related to social communication skills. Talking about objects