Specific learning disorders in young adults: Investigating pragmatic abilities and their relationship with theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life.
Young adults with specific learning disorders show clear pragmatic-language deficits tied to theory-of-mind weaknesses that lower their quality of life.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Michela et al. (2022) compared young adults with specific learning disorders to neurotypical peers. They looked at how well each group understood real-life language—things like jokes, sarcasm, and implied meanings. The team also tested visual theory-of-mind skills and asked about everyday quality of life.
What they found
The adults with SLD scored lower on pragmatic-language tasks. Their trouble reading between the lines was linked to weaker visual theory-of-mind skills. These language gaps also predicted a lower quality-of-life rating.
How this fits with other research
Pijnacker et al. (2009) seems to disagree. They found that high-functioning adults with ASD could draw everyday inferences just as well as controls. The key difference: Judith studied ASD, while Michela studied SLD. The takeaway: pragmatic deficits are not one-size-fits-all; they show up differently in each developmental group.
Riches et al. (2016) widen the lens. They tracked theory-of-mind skills across the entire adult lifespan in ASD and saw gaps shrink after age 50. Michela’s snapshot of young adults with SLD fits into this bigger picture, hinting that early adulthood may be a sensitive window for social-cognition support.
Weiss et al. (2001) used a similar quasi-experimental design with adults with autism. Both papers link poor mental-state reading to developmental disorder, showing the method works across diagnoses.
Why it matters
If you assess adults with SLD, screen pragmatic language and theory of mind together. Weak scores here can flag hidden social struggles that drag down well-being. Add brief role-play or video-based ToM tasks to your intake. Targeting these areas could lift both communication and life satisfaction for your client.
Want CEUs on This Topic?
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.
Join Free →Add one visual theory-of-mind task, like the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, to your SLD adult intake battery.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are lifelong conditions often associated with language difficulties, executive dysfunctions, and psychological problems. Previous research has shown that communicative-pragmatic ability may be impaired in SLD. However, the role of other cognitive abilities in explaining pragmatic difficulties has still not been fully investigated. The relationship between pragmatics and quality of life is not yet clear, as well. AIMS: Firstly, the study assessed pragmatic comprehension abilities in adults with SLD. Secondly, we examined the relationship between pragmatics, theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES: We enrolled 26 adults with SLD and 30 adults without SLD. Standardized tests assessing pragmatic comprehension, theory of mind and executive functions were used. The quality of life was investigated with a self-reported questionnaire. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Pragmatic comprehension abilities were compromised in young adults with SLD. In this clinical population we also found a link between pragmatic comprehension and visual theory of mind. Finally, independently from the presence of SLD, pragmatics abilities were in relationship with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Overall, these data highlight the importance of including pragmatic abilities both in the clinical evaluation, as well as in psychological intervention for adults with SLD.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2022 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104253