What is Social Communication Disorder and Its Symptoms

Social Communication Disorder SCD is a difficulty in communication according to different social situations. It includes comprehension as well as expression of language. It affects both verbal and non-verbal skills.

It is also known as Semantic Pragmatic Disorder (SPD) or Pragmatic Language Impairment.

Read More: Childhood Apraxia of Speech

We acquire and learn different aspects of social communication with time. These include the following areas.

• Processing of Language
• Cognition
• Interaction with others and Social understanding 
• Social context or Pragmatics 

Have a look at some important points related to Social Communication Skills.

1. Use of language for different reasons

• Greetings (Good morning)
• Demand (Give me water)
• Information (I am going)
• Request (Please go with me)
• Choice (I don't like this)
• Promise (I will give you candy)
• Question (Where are you going?)
• Apologize (I am sorry for my fault)
• Comment (A beautiful picture)
• Direction (Do this for me)
• Complain (He breaks my toy)

2. Rules of conversation

• Attending the speaker carefully
• Turn-taking
• Proper information about the topic
• Staying on the topic or changing topic effectively
• Rephrasing if the message is not clear
• Ending the conversation with a proper manner
• Use of non-verbal modality properly. These include body language, gestures, facial expressions. 
• Proper eye contact
• Maintain proper distance from the others
• Keep in mind about cultural norms while a conversation

3. Use of language for different situations

• Change of language in a class and at a home. 
• Proper use of language when talking to people different from each other. For example, talking to a teacher and sibling in a different manner. 
• Give proper information when the other person does not know about the topic. 
• Skipping the unnecessary information from the conversation. 

Read More: Speech Sound Disorders | Articulation Disorder & Phonological Disorder

Social Communication Disorder Symptoms

The deficit in the above-written areas will result in compromised communication skills. Clients with SCD depicts difficulty in the following, 

• Processing of both spoken and written language. 
• Understanding of components of language like vocabulary or grammar. 
• Interaction with each other according to a particular situation. For example, a different way of interaction at home or office. 
• Basics of communication like responding to others or turn-taking. 
• Understand the idea even if someone does not give a clear explanation.
• Conversation according to the situation or need.
• Relevancy to the topic of conversation. 
• Use of gestures. 
• Understanding emotions in conversation.
• Variations in speaking styles.

Lack of these skills can affect different areas which are as follows.

• Proper communication (Both understanding and expression)
• Social Participation
• Relationships
• Literacy
• Professional Life

People Also Reading: Development Milestones For Language (0 to 6 Years)

Causes of Social Communication Disorder

Causes of this Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder is not known. It may also co-occur with other problems like ADHD, intellectual disability, etc.

Social Communication Disorder DSM 5

DSM 5 recognizes SCD as a separate disorder. This helps clients to have proper treatment rather than having an unspecified communication disorder. Previous editions did not have a proper diagnostic criterion.

The 5th edition included SCD after a review by members, relevant committees and board of APA. Check the following figure.

Social Communication Disorder DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

Read the viewpoint of the American Psychiatric Association in this regard. Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder ICD 10 code is F80.82 (Oct 01, 2016).

Social Communication Disorder Treatment

Clients can consult a Speech Pathologist for the management of SCD. SLP does assessment, diagnosis and creates IEP for Social Communication Disorder.

Therapy for a social communication disorder in adults or children is challenging. The goal of the therapy is to develop communication skills in different situations.

The treatment plan for SCD may consist of various methods.

• A therapist can use reinforcement for modifying a specific behavior. This approach can help to curtail unfavorable behavior. The target relates to the development of specific social skills. Target selection is according to the judgment of an SLP. The goal of the activity is to get the desired behavior without the use of any reinforcement. 
• Group therapy which may include two or more clients with SCD. Activities may include games, picture stories or illustrations, etc. 
• Activity with targets related to social interaction in the presence of multiple clients. These may include sharing thoughts, encouragement, compliments, and suggestions. 
• Roleplay and feedback to teach the effective way of social interaction. For example, one person will pretend to be a stranger and the client will talk to him as per instructions.
• Strategy to prompt activity to teach various language targets. 
• Turn-Taking activity in a group with the use of related words or sounds along with actions. 

Social Communication Disorder vs Autism: ASD has communication problems along with repetitive behaviors. While the SCD does not have restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. 

Tools or Modalities for Use

Let's read some important aids or tools for developing social communication skills.

• Use of electronic gadgets like computers or Ipads.
• Softwares or apps for enhancing the skills.
• Videos for visual instructions or observation of different target behaviors. 
• Utilizing pictures, drawings, and objects.
• Using non-verbal modalities like gestures, signs, etc.

One study shows that Pragmatic Language Disorder affects boys more than girls.

Strategies for different age group must be different. It is because of different needs and kind of social interaction. Changing the strategy is vital for coping with social communication difficulties.

A clinician needs to know about cultural norms. Especially, in a case when clinicians work in regions other than their own. It will help to make a strategy for a specific client.

Speech-Language Pathologist plays a central role in this regard. Also, teachers work in close relation with SLP to help a client in the classroom. Role of family members is very important in the home environment. It will help the client in the generalization of the newly learned skills.

Also Read: What is Therapy and How does it work

It is necessary for a clinician to instruct the caregivers about the home tasks. Feedback from family members is another important thing. A therapist should know about the home environment, familiar situations or objects. It will help to make a strategy about the home plan.

Social communication is not just all about speech. Teach the client about the importance of body language, gestures, or facial expressions. These factors are of great significance in social interaction. Variations in these factors can change the whole message even words are the same. 

Conclusion

The inclusion of "Social Communication Disorder" in DSM will help patients with proper services. It is important for caregivers to consult a professional if they find the symptoms. SLP, teachers and family members have to work as a team. This will help the client to cop with social communication challenges at a fair pace.