Social and Interpersonal Communication Skills (Pragmatics)

Loss of executive function (mental control and self-regulation) often accompanies a brain injury leading to socially inappropriate, disinhibited, impulsive comments and actions.

Pragmatics is language for communication. Syntax, phonology and semantics are evaluated along with the capacity to synthesize wider cognitive skills such as memory and information processing and to adapt to context (linguistic and situational) and the interlocuters involved.

Difficulties with reasoning, planning, judgement, divergent thinking, attention, processing speed, the semantic system may become evident in narrative and conversation analysis. Exchanges with others in the home and community (where possible) are observed and analysed. Check sheets completed by close others assist in evaluating communication skills in context.

Deficits in interpersonal communication skills can impact on familial, marital, vocational and social relationships. The client can be at risk of social marginalisation, isolation or exclusion with a subsequent loss of social and vocational opportunity.