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Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder


Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder


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The term "social pragmatic communication disorder" (SPCD) describes pronounced difficulties with verbal and nonverbal social communication abilities.

Other communication impairments may be linked to issues with social communication. However, as of 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, has classified SPCD as a separate category (DSM-5).

Additionally, SPCD is distinguished from several neuro-developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, that may similarly impair communication abilities (ASD).

SPCD, a new term in the DSM-5's Communication Disorders section, designates a "principal deficit" in verbal and nonverbal social communication.


These challenges could include:

  • Inappropriate expression of emotions or thoughts in different social situations.
  • Having trouble socializing through language and having trouble using and understanding both verbal and nonverbal clues
  • A lack of comprehension of non-literal language


While the precise origin of SPCD is unknown, some experts think it might have a hereditary component. Additionally, it might occur in families where pragmatic language problems have a history.

There may be some overlap between SPCD symptoms and neuro-developmental problems. ASD and ADHD are two of these.

Prior to the DSM-5's designation of SPCD as a distinct diagnosis, ADHD and other hereditary or neurological conditions were believed to coexist with SPCD.

The DSM-5, however, views SPCD as a separate condition. It is therefore not brought on by ASD, ADHD, or any other neuro-developmental disorder.

Before SPCD can be identified, children must have had enough time to fully develop their linguistic abilities. As a result, SPCD shouldn't be diagnosed until the child is at least 4 or 5 years old.


Can social pragmatic communication disorder be prevented?

There are no recognized preventive interventions for SCPD because the precise origins of the condition are unclear. However, advance identification is essential to begin therapy and deliver improved results in social interactions, the workplace, and academic settings.

Other researchers are concerned that individuals with an SPCD diagnosis may not get the care they require, both at school and in clinical settings, compared to those with a diagnosis of a neuro-developmental condition.


What are the most typical contributing causes to social pragmatic communication disorder?

Families may be prone to SPCD. Other risk elements could be the following:

  • Intellectual or developmental impairments such as ADHD
  • Additional linguistic problems
  • Having trouble learning
  • Loss of hearing
  • Traumatic brain injuries: a reliable source
  • Dementia


What is the treatment for social pragmatic communication disorder?

A speech-language pathologist's speech therapy is the main component of SCPD treatment (SLP). Schoolchildren who meet the requirements can receive SLP services, and you can also get speech and language therapy in private offices.

While private, one-on-one counselling is crucial; group treatment can also develop social pragmatic abilities. In school settings, group therapy are frequently utilized. Private practitioner like Clinical Psychologist, ABA Therapist could provide group social skills training on regular basis.

Professionals, such as SLPs, must screen and evaluate you before you may start SPCD treatment. These diagnostic assessment may be given by the expert in academic settings, professional settings, or both or in Psychowellness Center, multilocation clinics at Dwarka, Jankpuri, Gurugram, NOIDA, VasantKunj Delhi, NCR.  .

The Child Development Experts will combine the following:

  • Interviews (with yourself or parents, based on your age)
  • Psychological Tests
  • Parents/Teacher Rating Scales 
  • Questionnaires
  • Self-evaluations
  • Hearing exams
  • Information acquired from teachers or caregivers


Treatment of SCD

The following are also some possible treatment modalities for social communication disorder:

  • Auxiliary and alternative means of communication (AAC). Children can communicate through words, photos, drawings, objects, gestures, and technology devices, especially younger kids or kids who have problems using words.
  • Using videos for instruction Video stories can be an entertaining approach to practice social skills and increase social awareness.
  • Discussions about comic books. Comic book stores feature talks among two or more characters, providing illustrations of effective communication.
  • Groups for social skills. A Clinical psychologist or speech-language pathologist (SLP) facilitates groups of two or more kids and employs instruction, role-playing, and feedback to focus on communication and social skills.
  • Societal rules. Children are taught how to use language throughout specific social interactions through the use of scripted prompts. Your child can eventually utilize them on their own.
  • Social narratives Children are taught appropriate behaviour and answers by reading books and listening to stories that explain social issues and encourage problem-solving.
  • A child's individualized education programme (IEP), which can include speech therapy, in-class support, and accommodations, can be created in collaboration with the child's school.


How likely is it that someone with social pragmatic communication problem will recover?

The prognosis for SPCD is favorable with early discovery and treatment. To achieve the best outcomes, you should plan to attend speech therapy sessions as well as social skills training sessions. Life skills clubs may be helpful for both adults and teenagers.

The condition itself may not go away, however some symptoms may become better with time. Monitoring progress is essential to avoiding any setbacks. But with early Onlinetherapy, social-communication abilities might be enhanced, requiring less intervention.

Despite the need to identify SPCD early for intervention, you shouldn't self-diagnose this illness. You should consult a doctor for advice on the best course of action if you or a loved one appears to be struggling with social interaction.

If you want to ensure that your child development and social communication disorder is diagnosed and treated seek consultation with the best psychologists will help you understand the emotional needs of the child, enable you to understand your needs and limitations better, and healthily address them all. You can also meet in the clinic with the best clinical psychologists & parenting coaches at Psychowellness Center, a multi-location clinic at Janakpuri, Dwarka, Vasant Vihar, Gurgaon, NOIDA, Faridabad, and Delhi NCR.


#psychologistdwarka, #lifecoach, #psychologistdelhi, #psychologistdwarka, #ABAtherapy, #AutismTherapy


Contributed by:- Dr (Prof) R K Suri Clinical Psychologist & Ms. Varshini Nayyar