Social (pragmatic) communication disorder

Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD) is a type of communication disorder that significantly affects an individual's ability to use language for social purposes, such as social interaction, social cognition, and the pragmatics of language. The disorder is characterized by difficulties with the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. These difficulties include problems understanding and following social rules for conversation and storytelling, such as taking turns in conversation, understanding nuances, and adapting communication to different social contexts.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Individuals with social (pragmatic) communication disorder may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Difficulty understanding and following social rules of communication
• Difficulty changing language according to the needs of the listener or situation
• Challenges in following rules for conversations and storytelling, such as taking turns in conversation
• Difficulty understanding implicit meanings, such as irony or humor

Diagnosis of SPCD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist or a psychologist. The assessment typically involves observation of the individual's communication skills in various social contexts, standardized tests, and gathering information from caregivers or teachers.

Differential Diagnosis

It is crucial to differentiate SPCD from other disorders that may have overlapping symptoms, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and language disorders. Unlike ASD, individuals with SPCD do not have restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. Additionally, while attention and language problems may co-occur with SPCD, they are not the primary cause of the social communication difficulties.

Treatment

Treatment for social (pragmatic) communication disorder typically involves speech and language therapy focusing on improving pragmatic language skills. Therapy may include:

• Teaching strategies to understand and use verbal and nonverbal cues appropriately
• Role-playing to practice conversation and storytelling skills
• Social skills groups to practice communication in a social context

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with SPCD varies. Early intervention and targeted therapy can significantly improve social communication skills. However, some individuals may continue to experience challenges in social communication throughout their lives.

Epidemiology

The prevalence of social (pragmatic) communication disorder is not well-established, partly due to its relatively recent recognition as a distinct diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology of SPCD.

History

Social (pragmatic) communication disorder was first included as a diagnosis in the DSM-5, published in 2013. The inclusion of SPCD in the DSM-5 was based on the need to identify individuals who experience significant challenges in social communication but do not meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder.

See Also

• Language disorder
• Communication disorder
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Speech therapy