SCD can make it harder to decode meaning in the language we use, but treatment approaches like working with a speech-language pathologist can help manage symptoms.
Does your child have trouble with taking turns in conversation, greeting others, or responding to peers in socially appropriate ways?
While it’s not uncommon for kids to have difficulty in social situations from time to time, children and teens with social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SCD) — aka social communication disorder — may experience these difficulties more often.
SCD involves challenges using language to communicate with others. A person with SCD can understand the meaning of individual words and comprehends grammar rules, but they may have trouble with “pragmatic” language. Pragmatic language refers to the way we use language to communicate in daily social interactions.
If your child has SCD, you likely have a lot of questions: Will they outgrow it? Is there a treatment? How can I help them?
Your questions and concerns are normal. With the right information and support, you can help your child improve their social communication skills.
Social communication disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means it appears during our early development.
A diagnosis of social (pragmatic) communication disorder applies when a child has difficulty using language in social situations. They may have trouble:
Children with SCD typically show symptoms in early childhood, but you might not notice the signs early on.
SCD tends to become more noticeable as your child gets older, since difficulties with pragmatic language become easier to spot as kids enter more complex social situations. This is why some experts recommend that kids shouldn’t receive an SCD diagnosis until they’re 4 or 5 years old.
Social communication disorder is different from autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While both include differences in communication, they’re two separate diagnoses.
What’s the difference between these two conditions? Autistic people tend to have certain features that someone with SCD wouldn’t necessarily show, including:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the criteria for social communication disorder include:
If you have a child with SCD, you may notice they have trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication skills, like:
If your child understands some communication and language skills but has a hard time applying them in the context of social situations, it’s possible they may have SCD.
The specific cause of social communication disorder isn’t fully understood. A child could have higher chances of experiencing SCD if they have an autistic family member or a family history of communication disorders or specific learning disorders.
If your child has SCD, they may have difficulty with the “give-and-take” nature of conversations. They may tend to have a literal way of thinking, or they may not understand certain humor, like sarcasm.
Children with SCD are as intelligent as anyone else, but SCD symptoms can create challenges with learning and school.
As a parent, you can help your child learn and practice social skills in a safe, supportive environment. Some ways to do this include:
With support, time, and patience, your child can learn the social skills needed to help them successfully communicate and engage with others. Like any skill, these strategies need to be taught — typically by speech therapists who have training in addressing social communication issues — and reinforced through practice at home.
If you have concerns about your child’s social communication, one good first step is speaking with their pediatrician or teacher. They can connect you with someone who can evaluate your child for SCD.
When you talk with your child’s pediatrician, they might refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an evaluation. The goal of the evaluation is to understand your child’s communication skills in different settings.
During the evaluation, the SLP will interact with your child and ask questions to determine how they use and understand language in social contexts. To evaluate your child, the SLP may:
Once your child has a diagnosis, their care professional might help you develop a treatment plan. Treatment plans often involve collaboration between parents, teachers, and SLPs. Your child’s plan will likely be tailored to their specific needs and will focus on improving their communication skills, particularly in social situations.
One-on-one therapy sessions with SLPs can be helpful in teaching new communication skills. Kids can also apply these skills in group sessions, which allow them to practice what they’ve learned in a social setting.
Treatment approaches for social communication disorder may include :
You can also work with your child’s school to develop an individualized education program (IEP), which may include speech therapy and in-class support and accommodations.
Whether you suspect or know your child has social (pragmatic) communication disorder, support is available.
While social communication disorder symptoms can impact relationships for both children and adults who live with it, working with a speech-language pathologist can help you learn strategies that, over time, allow you to reduce the impact of SCD on your social life.
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