Social Communication Disorders
Persistent difficulties with the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Social Communication Disorder (SCD) is characterized by persistent difficulties with the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication that cannot be explained by low cognitive abilities. Individuals with SCD struggle with using language for social purposes, adjusting communication to match the context, following rules of conversation, and understanding implicit or ambiguous language.
SCD is distinct from autism spectrum disorder in that individuals with SCD do not demonstrate restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. However, the social communication challenges can be equally impactful, affecting the ability to develop and maintain relationships, succeed academically, and participate in community and vocational activities. SCD may first become apparent when social communication demands exceed the individual's capacity.
Speech-language pathologists are the primary professionals who diagnose and treat social communication disorders. Intervention focuses on explicitly teaching social communication rules and expectations, building perspective-taking abilities, developing conversational competence, and creating opportunities for supported practice in naturalistic settings.
Signs & Symptoms
- •Difficulty using appropriate greetings and conversational openings
- •Trouble adjusting communication style for different listeners or settings
- •Challenges following rules of conversation such as turn-taking and staying on topic
- •Difficulty understanding nonliteral language including idioms and implied meaning
- •Struggles with making inferences and understanding others' perspectives
- •Impaired ability to develop and maintain age-appropriate peer relationships
Treatment Approaches
- •Direct instruction of social communication rules and expectations
- •Perspective-taking and Theory of Mind training
- •Conversational skills training with structured practice opportunities
- •Social narratives and visual supports for understanding social expectations
- •Generalization activities across home, school, and community settings
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