Children with semantic-pragmatic language disorders often struggle with learning which type of words?

Children with semantic-pragmatic language disorders frequently have difficulties with deictic words, which are terms that rely heavily on contextual information to convey meaning. These include words such as "here," "there," "you," "me," and "this." Understanding deictic expressions is crucial because their meanings can change based on the speaker's perspective or the situation in which they are used. For instance, the word "you" may refer to different individuals depending on who is speaking and in what context.

Children with semantic-pragmatic language disorders may struggle to grasp these contextual nuances, leading to misunderstandings in communication. This difficulty can impact their ability to engage in effective conversations, as they might misinterpret references to people or objects that are crucial for the flow of dialogue.

In contrast, abstract concepts, idiomatic expressions, and declarative sentences, while also presenting challenges, do not emphasize the same level of contextual dependence as deictic words. While children may struggle to understand idiomatic expressions or abstract concepts, these issues are often distinct from the specific challenges presented by deictic terms in terms of contextual reliance and pragmatic use within communication.