The &quot;Language-Social Communication-Cognition&quot; three-dimensional language assessment and intervention model: Clinical application of Theory of Mind in language assessment and intervention

Xueman Liu; Jill de Villiers

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1227

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (11) : 1170-1178. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1227

The "Language-Social Communication-Cognition" three-dimensional language assessment and intervention model: Clinical application of Theory of Mind in language assessment and intervention

Xueman Liu, Jill de Villiers

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Abstract

This paper explores the establishment of a "Language-Social Communication-Cognition" three-dimensional model for children′s language assessment and intervention, grounded in the clinical reasoning framework for broadly defined language disorders.First, it lists the common language and communication issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and outlines evidence-based early language intervention approaches that align with this three-dimensional model.As children enter the preschool and school-age years, this model aids in the differential diagnosis process by analyzing the distinct root causes of language disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability.Neither early language intervention approaches nor linear language intervention processes are effective in advancing the critical skills these children need for academic learning and social participation.This paper emphasizes the crucial role of "Theory of Mind" ability within the three-dimensional model during this stage and dedicates a section to its detailed elaboration.Finally, the paper proposes a narrative-based language intervention system that implements the "Language-Social Communication-Cognition" model in practice, with three dimensions advancing together and synergistically, and explains its evidence-based foundation and clinical procedures.

Key words

broadly defined language disorders / neurodevelopmental disorders / clinical reasoning framework / language intervention model / differential diagnosis / Theory of Mind / narrative / language therapy

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Xueman Liu, Jill de Villiers. The "Language-Social Communication-Cognition" three-dimensional language assessment and intervention model: Clinical application of Theory of Mind in language assessment and intervention[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(11): 1170-1178 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1227

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