Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) is where children experience persistent difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication.

Challenges include:

Ψ Difficulty in interpreting nonverbal communication cues (e.g., facial expressions, body language)

Ψ Trouble adjusting communication to fit situations (initiating or maintaining conversations)

Ψ Trouble following rules of conversations (e.g., taking turns)

Ψ Difficulty understanding nonliteral or ambiguous language (metaphors/idioms)

Ψ Use of inappropriate responses during conversations

To be diagnosed with SCPD, children must present with the symptoms in early childhood, even if they are not recognized until later when their speech, language, or communication skills fall behind their peers.

Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SPCD) vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

SPCD and ASD share some characteristics. Nonetheless, SPCD primarily focuses on communication problems while ASD relates to behavioural traits. Here are some key differences:

Of note, as social communication difficulties are a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an official diagnosis for SPCD cannot be made in conjunction with ASD.

How will Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder affect my child?

Ψ Peer-relationships:  The child would struggle with the use of language in social interactions. They may interrupt conversations or make inappropriate comments. These make it hard for them to connect with others, impacting their ability to form and maintain social relationships.

Ψ Academics: Children may find it difficult to take part in group work, misunderstand social cues or misinterpret their teacher’s tone during lessons. These may affect their learning at school. 

Ψ Behaviour: The child may engage in challenging behaviours during social interactions, such as screaming during disagreements or as an attempt to get one’s attention. They may also be les motivated to learn due to their communication difficulties.

Treatment approaches for Social Communication Pragmatic Disorder

 Ψ Social stories: Through stories, children can hone their comprehension of social responses. Social stories provide examples of appropriate social responses, prompting children to apply it to real-life situations.

Ψ Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): Alternative ways to support effective communication include gestures, writing, use of pictures vocalisations and technological tools (e.g., iPad, application that provides a voice).

Ψ Storytelling through video-based modelling: This video-based method could complement social stories. It teaches children relevant social communication skills like greetings and appropriate social responses.

How can I support my child with Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder?

To support their child’s social communication skills, parents can adopt these strategies:

Ψ Use of visual aids (crafts or pictures): Many children with SPCD process information visually. Visual aids would help them understand expectations and rules.

Ψ Encourage teamwork activities: Engage the child in simple turn-taking activities like building toy blocks or piecing puzzles together. These social activities provide opportunities for turn-taking that occur in social interactions.

Ψ Plan playdates: Organise play sessions for your child with a friend of a similar age. Introduce a structured activity for the children to engage in, with a time limit. Slowly expose the child to more activities and friends.

Ψ Provide your child with verbal cues during interaction whenever needed

Ψ Ask open-ended questions during interactions or reading time. Help the child predict what is going to happen next or figure out what led to a certain event (e.g., what might have happened, why do you think he was upset).

For any concerns regarding your child’s social communication, you may reach out to our speech and language therapist, Ms Elysia Soh ((https://www.annabellekids.com/elysia-soh), for an assessment. During the evaluation, various treatment plans that cater to the child’s individualised needs will be discussed with the parent/guardian.

Find out more information on child speech therapy services at Annabelle Kids.