P/PS/40. Outline and account for strengths and weaknesses in the language skills of individuals with Autism

The paper deals with the disorders of brain function focusing on autism. Clinical definitions and the causes of the disease are presented. The author argues that it is the inability to cope with the pragmatic aspects of language that brings about communication failure. The origins of pragmatic deficits are outlined drawing on the Theory of Mind (ToM), Social Inference Theory, the Weak Central Coherence Hypothesis, and the Executive Dysfunction Theory.