What is one of the latest developing pragmatic skills in typically developing children, such as comprehending jokes, requesting by using pointing, clarifying requests, comprehending indirect requests, or initiating conversation?

From the Guidelines

The answer is d. Comprehending indirect requests. This pragmatic skill develops later in childhood because it requires a sophisticated understanding of language beyond literal meaning. Indirect requests involve interpreting what someone wants based on context rather than explicit statements, such as understanding that "It's cold in here" might actually be a request to close a window. Children typically master this skill around ages 6-9, after they've developed more basic pragmatic abilities like pointing for requests (which emerges in infancy) and direct communication. Comprehending indirect requests requires theory of mind development, allowing children to understand others' intentions and perspectives. This skill continues to refine through late childhood as children become more adept at navigating social communication and understanding nuanced language use in various contexts, as seen in social skills training methods such as social stories 1 and peer network/circle of friends 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating the development of pragmatic skills in children include:

• The importance of social reciprocity and pragmatic language-oriented interventions, as outlined in the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 1
• The various methods available for delivering these interventions, including guided participation, Do-Watch-Listen-Say, play organizers, and buddy skills for infant/preschool age children 1
• The need for ongoing development and refinement of pragmatic skills throughout childhood and adolescence, with a focus on promoting social communication and understanding nuanced language use in various contexts.

From the Research

Pragmatic Skills in Typical Developing Children

• Comprehending indirect requests is a developing pragmatic skill in typical children, with studies showing that even four-year-old children exhibit an understanding of certain types of indirect requests 2
• However, the ability to comprehend more complex indirect requests, such as those requiring a change in the state of affairs mentioned in the predicate, may not develop until later, around the age of six 2
• Other pragmatic skills, such as initiating conversation, requesting by using pointing, and clarifying requests, are not directly addressed in the provided studies as the latest developing skills
• The development of pragmatic skills, including comprehending indirect requests, is an important aspect of social communication and language development in children

Comparison of Options

• Option d, comprehending indirect requests, is supported by the study 2 as a developing pragmatic skill in typical children
• Options a, b, c, and e are not directly addressed in the provided studies as the latest developing pragmatic skills in typical developing children
• The study 2 provides evidence that comprehending indirect requests is a skill that develops over time in children, with older children showing a greater understanding of more complex indirect requests

Relevant Studies

• The study 2 examines the understanding of indirect requests in children aged four to six and finds that even the youngest age group exhibits an understanding of certain types of indirect requests
• Other studies, such as 3, 4, 5, and 6, focus on social communication disorders, pragmatic language impairment, and autism spectrum disorder, but do not directly address the development of pragmatic skills in typical children