Mieke Ketelaars

In march 2010 I finished my PhD project at the Radboud University Nijmegen involving the classification of Pragmatic Language Iimpairment (PLI). The project was financed by Sint Marie. Pragmatic language problems are characterized as problems in intentional communication and can therefore greatly affect the social abilities of children. Pragmatic language problems can occur in combination with structural language problems (problems in speech and lexical abilities). However, pragmatic language problems are hard to detect during standard assessment. Since the language problems occur in the social context, many researchers argue that pragmatic language problems are a mere discription of the language problems of children with autism. In this study we aimed to gain more insight into the underlying problems of children with Pragmatic Language Impairment (PLI), in order to ensure early detection and proper treatment.

In the Netherlands there has not been a lot of research into children with PLI, though it is well understood that language problems, and especially pragmatic language problems, can cause great developmental problems. Not only are the children at risk for social isolation, behavioural problems and school adjustment problems often co-occur in this group. In our study, children with PLI in mainstream education have been followed over a period of three years. Every year they were tested on Theory of Mind abilities, Executive Functioning and Central Coherence (more information can be found below). At age four the children have been screened and were found to be pragmatically impaired. At present, age seven, many of them showed delays in language development, social cognition and attention. Moreover, some children showed symptoms indicative of an autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.

In my spare time (if there is any...) I am trying to develop a database for publications on Pragmatic Language Impairment. Although the list is for from complete and it is still a work in progress, additions are welcome. Just keep in mind, I am not nearly done....

Some additional information as to my history: during my study at the Department of Special Education at the University of Leiden I got interested in developmental disorders such as autism. My internship and thesis were dedicated to diagnostic assesment and treatment of young children with autism. I have experience in both alternative therapies for children with autism and mainstream therapies such as social skills therapy. After I got my Masters' degree I started working at Leiden University as a researcher on a project on social play by at-risk children. This was followed by a move to the Radboud University Nijmegen, where I started my PhD project. The last few years I have also started teaching several courses. In addition, I work as a psychologist in a clinical setting at Zorgverlening PGZ.