Abstract
Recent research on speech pragmatics and understanding others might be of important use in improving communication intervention with individuals with high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders, particularly in improving social adaptation and preventing emotional disorders. Evaluating the effectiveness of intervention techniques from the point of view of new research suggests the possibility of improving training in communicative and conversation skills as well as reducing unnecessary confusion and anxiety on the part of patients. This paper suggests how such recent research might help improve clinicians' communication intervention in the following areas: 1) repairing breakdowns in communication between those with developmental disorders and those around them, 2) encouraging the use of effective communication strategies, and 3) providing those with developmental disabilities with opportunities for peer interactions among themselves.
