Language & Social Interaction

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  Item 1

  Expressive Language

  Use of words, sentences, gestures, and social cues to communicate needs, feelings, and ideas with concrete and literal stories, play, and interactions that follow clear rules and familiar structures. Cooperative play and classroom talk includes short, clear sentences. Atypical patterns include social isolation due to very limited, or absent speech and gesture, or overly rigid, off-topic language that hinders interaction with peers and adults. Effective expression involves not just vocabulary but also intonation, pacing, and social awareness.

  Instructions
  Rambling, disorganized, ineffective communication

  Talkative, awkward, accepts help when missing social cues.

  Very chatty and enthusiastic about sharing

  Exceptional articulation and fluency with large vocabulary

  Broad vocabulary, sound grammar, clear descriptive communication

  Depends on gesture due to limited vocabulary and grammar

  Few/no words and limited simple gestures

• Item 2

  Receptive Language

  The ability to understand words, instructions, and basic social cues. Expectations of ability to follow simple two-step directions, grasp literal meanings of familiar vocabulary, and interpret gestures or facial expressions in routine classroom and othe social interactions. Atypical function includes not responding when name is called, failing to follow directions even when paired with visual cues, or appearing confused during common routines, such as lining up or group transitions.

  Instructions
  Concrete, literal understanding interfering with basic adaptation

  Communicative context explanation needed for understanding

  Understands most communication; gets concrete when uncertain

  Excels at understanding oral and written communication

  Consistently understands basic communications

  Understands One-Step but Misses Sequences

  Little/No response to basic communicative efforts

• Item 3

  Social Interaction

  Social Interaction represents the ability to join play, share materials, interpret social cues, and manage the give-and-take of early friendships. Typically engage in cooperative games, take turns, and show basic empathy. Atypical interaction might include isolation or excessive shyness, struggling to respond appropriately, or overwhelming peers with off-topic or intense behavior striving to engage in friendship.

  Instructions
  Inappropriate. intrusive social behavior

  Engages socially but violates boundaries

  Socially well-engaged but occasionally awkward

  Very skilled participant in shared social activity

  Eagerly engages in reciprocal social interactions

  Observes social interactions but cannot engage

  Lacks skills to support social interactions